Habitat Shift of the Ganges River Dolphin (Environment)

Habitat Shift of the Ganges River Dolphin (Environment)

Why in News?

• Reduced water flow in the Chambal River is forcing Ganges River Dolphins to migrate towards the Yamuna.

Key Facts

• India's National Aquatic Animal.
• Scientific name: Platanista gangetica.
• IUCN Status: Endangered.
• Schedule I of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
• Appendix I of CITES.
• CMS Appendix I.

Habitat

• Freshwater rivers only.
• Found in:
  • Ganga
  • Brahmaputra
  • Meghna
  • Karnaphuli-Sangu basin

Important Features

• Blind; uses echolocation.
• Indicator species of river health.
• Requires minimum 3 metres water depth.

Threats

• Reduced river flow
• Dams and barrages
• Pollution
• Fishing nets
• Boat collisions
• Habitat fragmentation

UPSC Mains Value Addition

Importance

• Indicates ecological health.
• Conserves freshwater biodiversity.
• Maintains river ecosystem balance.

Keywords

• Indicator Species
• Habitat Fragmentation
• Gene Pool
• Echolocation
• River Connectivity

Prelims Facts

✔ National Aquatic Animal

✔ Endangered (IUCN)

✔ Freshwater mammal