Conservation of Indus River Dolphin

In Context 

• The census of one of the Indus river dolphins is all set to commence in the winter as part of a project by the Centre.
  • However, Punjab’s wildlife preservation wing has gone a step ahead to not only protect the dolphins but also their natural habitat.

About 

Image Courtesy: TH

• The two subspecies Indus and Ganges river dolphins (P. g. minor and P. g. gangetica) belong to the family Platanistidae.
• The Indus river dolphin (Platanista gangetica minor) is a freshwater dolphin.
• Habitat : 
  • Indus river dolphins are believed to have originated in the ancient Tethys Sea. 
  • Currency, they can only be found in the lower parts of the Indus River in Pakistan and in River Beas, a tributary of the Indus River in Punjab, India. 
• They have adapted to life in the muddy river and are functionally blind. They rely on echolocation to navigate, communicate and hunt prey including prawns, catfish, and carp.
• Conservation Status: 
  • IUCN: Endangered 
  • Dolphins have been included in Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972, in Appendix I of the CITES, in Appendix II of the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS).
• Steps Taken: The Indus river dolphin was declared the State aquatic animal of Punjab in 2019.
  • Enumeration of freshwater dolphins is being undertaken as a nationwide project of the Central Government. 
  • At the State level, the Punjab Government has taken the initiative for the conservation of dolphins and their habitat. 
    • The scientific enumeration under ‘Project Dolphin’ is set to begin in the winter season in Punjab, which is being seen as a first key step towards the conservation effort.
      • It focuses on a multi-pronged strategy, including habitat management, research, monitoring, advocacy, and environmental education.
      • Extension programmes will be held to develop a group of dedicated individuals, called ‘Beas-Dolphin Mitras’ [friends and protectors] of the river Beas. 

Source:TH