Gangetic Dolphin Census 2024
Why in News?
Recently, India released its first-ever estimate of Gangetic river dolphins. The study was conducted by the Environment Ministry and was made public on World Wildlife Day (March 4, 2024).
Relevance:
GS-03 (Environment and Ecology)
Key Highlights about the report:
Gangetic Dolphin Population Estimate
- Total Population: 6,327 dolphins.
- Distribution:
- Ganga main stem: 3,275
- Ganga tributaries: 2,414
- Brahmaputra main stem: 584
- Brahmaputra tributaries: 412
- Beas river: 101
- Indus River Dolphins: 3 individuals recorded.
The Survey Methodology
- The survey was done spanning for about 8,507 km of river systems. It was done for the years between 2021 to 2024.
- Surveys of dolphins and aquatic species are generally considered challenging due to:
- Considering the nature of dolphins, which surface only briefly to breathe, it becomes difficult to get the actual figure.
- Dolphins lack unique physical markers like tiger stripes or elephant ears, making it even more difficult.
- Technology Used:
- Acoustic hydrophones (underwater microphones) were used to detect dolphin echolocation sounds.
- Moreover, boat-based observers were also incorporated to prevent double counting.
Challenges in Dolphin Conservation
- Primary Threats:
- Fishing nets cause accidental entanglements.
- Pollution impacting their habitat (ongoing study on its effects).
- Conservation Measures:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized local conservation efforts.
- Encouraging schoolchildren to visit dolphin habitats for awareness.
Future Plans
- Next survey in 2028 to track population trends.
- Training surveyors in advanced tracking techniques.
About Gangetic Dolphins:
- Characteristic features:
- Thin snout
- Rounded belly
- Stocky body and large flippers
- Female dolphins are usually larger in size as compared to males.
- The average size of these dolphins can vary from 2.67 metres to 2.12 metres.
- Gangetic dolphins emit an ultrasonic sound to attract prey.
- Since they are mammals, they don’t breathe underwater and have to come to the surface once every 30-120 seconds to take a breath.
Prelims Question:
- It is a mammal that cannot breathe in the water and must swim to the surface once every 30–120 seconds to take a breath.
- It is found in seven states, namely, Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal.
- Its IUCN status is classified as endangered.
- It has a unique way of attracting its prey by emitting ultrasonic sound to attract them.
Which is that species?
(a) Gangetic Dolphins
(b) Dugong
(c) Whale Shark
(d) Humphead wrasse
Ans: (a) Gangetic Dolphins
Related Posts
Static Quiz – 21st May, 2022
Posted on
China-India Relations: Mapping Ties
Posted on
