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About
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Dolphins are captivating aquatic creatures that inhabit a variety of water ecosystems, including seas, brackish waters, and freshwater environments. India is home to 15 species of both marine and harbor dolphins, with significant conservation efforts focused on safeguarding these species, particularly the Gangetic Dolphin.
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Conservation Efforts:
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- Legal Protection: Dolphins across all water environments—whether freshwater, brackish, or marine—are granted the highest level of protection under the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972.
- Gangetic Dolphin:
- Native to the Ganges River, the Gangetic Dolphin is critically endangered and is a key species in the Recovery Program for Critically Endangered Species.
- The National Mission for Clean Ganga initiated a dolphin conservation program in 2016 for their long-term survival.
- National Aquatic Animal:
- The Ganges River Dolphin is designated as the National Aquatic Animal, emphasizing its importance.
- Assam has recognized it as the state aquatic animal.
- Unique Characteristics:
- The Gangetic Dolphin survives only in freshwater and is essentially blind.
- It uses ultrasonic sounds to navigate and hunt prey.
- Population and Threats:
- There are approximately 3,700 Ganges River Dolphins in India.
- Major threats include river water pollution, siltation, accidental entanglement in fishing nets, and poaching.
The Conservation Action Plan for the Gangetic Dolphin (2010-2020) identifies threats and focuses on the impact of human activities on dolphin populations.
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Project Dolphin – Future Initiatives
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- The Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) will launch a 10-year project called Project Dolphin.
- This project aims to conserve river and sea dolphins, strengthen biodiversity, create employment opportunities, and attract tourism.
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Key Objectives
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- Use modern technology for enumeration and anti-poaching activities.
- Engage fishermen and river-dependent communities.
- Improve livelihoods of local communities through sustainable fishery and conservation methods.
This project is a significant step towards conserving and protecting dolphins, ensuring the well-being of aquatic habitats, and involving local communities in sustainable practices.
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