Gangetic Dolphin (Platanista gangetica)
Gangetic Dolphin (Platanista gangetica)
- IUCN Red List: Endangered
- Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I
- CITES: Appendix I
- National Status: Declared as the National Aquatic Animal of India
- Range Description: Found exclusively in freshwater rivers of the Indian subcontinent. Its range includes the Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu river systems flowing through India, Nepal, and Bangladesh.
- Habitat & Ecology: Prefers deep freshwater habitats and is commonly found in counter-current systems of major river channels. It must surface regularly to breathe air as it is a mammal.
- Common Names: Ganges dolphin, Susu, Blind Dolphin, Hihu, Side-swimming Dolphin, South Asian River Dolphin
Threats:
- Pollution of river ecosystems
- Habitat fragmentation due to damming and irrigation
- Accidental entanglement in fishing nets
- Illegal poaching and river traffic noise
- Water diversion projects altering river flow
