Indus River Dolphin

Category: Environment / Biodiversity / Aquatic Mammals

UPSC Notes & Key Pointers

  • The Indus River Dolphin (Platanista minor) is a freshwater cetacean.
  • It is primarily associated with the Indus River system.
  • In India, it is found in the Beas River in Punjab.
  • It is blind or functionally blind, relying heavily on echolocation for navigation and hunting.
  • Major threats include habitat degradation, water diversion, pollution and accidental capture.
  • Prelims Focus: Platanista minor, Indus basin, Beas River and echolocation.