Why in the News?
India’s first National Dolphin Research Centre (NDRC) was recently inaugurated in Patna, Bihar, aimed at conserving the endangered Gangetic River dolphin.
About NDRC:
- It facilitates in-depth studies conducted by scientists and researchers regarding the dolphin species.
- Additionally, the centre offers training to fishermen on effective dolphin conservation methods.
About Ganga River Dolphin
- Key Features: Ganga River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica) commonly known as Susu is endemic to the Indian sub-continent.
- Also known as the Tiger of the Ganga.
- Long thin snout, rounded belly, stocky body, and large flippers.
- Slit similar to a blowhole on top of its head, acting as a nostril.
- Females are larger than males and give birth to one calf every two to three years.
- Calves have chocolate brown skin at birth, while adults have grey-brown smooth, hairless skin.
- Other Features:
- Ganges River dolphins, restricted to freshwater, use ultrasonic waves for hunting and navigating.
- Their unique swimming behaviour aids in finding food, and they emit the ‘Susu’ sound while surfacing to breathe.
- Major Threats:
- Unintentional killing, overexploitation of prey due to fishing gear entanglement, poaching for dolphin oil.
- Habitat destruction from water projects, pollution, and fragmented populations from dams.
Initiatives for Dolphin Protection:
- Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Wildlife Sanctuary, Bihar: India’s sole dolphin sanctuary.
- Project Dolphin: Modelled after Project Tiger, focusing on special conservation measures for Gangetic River Dolphins, as they are umbrella species.
- To conserve both the marine and riverine dolphins as well as associated Cetaceans.
- It is funded by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, India
- National Aquatic Animal:
- It was declared the national aquatic animal on 5th October 2009, which is celebrated as National Ganga River Dolphin Day.