October 5 is recognised as National Dolphin Day in India. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about the protection of our national aquatic animal. These dolphins can be found in the waters of the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu rivers, stretching across Nepal, India, and Bangladesh.
Wildlife experts, animal advocates, and environmental specialists urged the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) for a specific day to honor these creatures. In response, NBWL declared October 5 as National Dolphin Day in 2022.
Gangetic Dolphin Conservation In Bihar
- Bihar plays a significant role in conserving the Gangetic river Dolphins.
- The Central government declared the Gangetic Dolphin as the National Aquatic Animal in 2010, following Bihar’s request.
- Major habitats of these dolphins in Bihar are in the Ganga, Gandak, Kosi, and Mahananda rivers.
- Dr. R K Sinha, a former Zoology Professor at Patna University, has conducted extensive research on Gangetic Dolphins. He is often referred to as the Dolphin Man of India.
- The local name for Gangetic Dolphins in Bihar is ‘Sauns’.
- According to Dr. Sinha, the presence of specific animals indicates the health of the ecosystem. Tigers signify healthy forests, Snow Leopards represent robust mountain regions, Cheetahs indicate flourishing grasslands, and Dolphins signal a river system’s good health and biodiversity.
Significance Of Dolphins For Aquatic Ecosystems
- Dolphins signal the health of aquatic ecosystems, acting as ecological indicators.
- Their preservation not only improves the survival chances of the species but benefits humans who depend on these waters, like fishermen.
- These aquatic ecosystems play a crucial role in maintaining the planet’s overall health.
- Specifically, the Gangetic dolphin is an indicator species for the Ganga ecosystem.
- They are highly sensitive to changes in water quality and flow, making their status a useful gauge of the ecosystem’s condition.
Threats And Conservation Of Ganges River Dolphins
- The Ganges river dolphin is a highly endangered species. They are listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act (1972) and are also classified as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List.
- In assessments conducted by WWF-India and the Uttar Pradesh forest department in 2012 and 2015, they recorded 1,272 dolphins. These dolphins were located in various rivers including the Ganga, Yamuna, Chambal, Ken, Betwa, Son, Sharda, Geruwa, Gahagra, Gandak, and Rapti.
- Several threats pose risks to these dolphins. Pollution, water diversion, habitat fragmentation, and bycatch have resulted in a serious threat to their survival.
- The National Marine Mammal Foundation has stated that major infrastructure projects could lead to a catastrophic population decline.
- For the conservation of the Gangetic Dolphin, it is crucial to generate awareness and encourage community participation.
- Experts suggest that the Union Ministry of Environment should focus on improving the water flow and quality in the Ganga and its tributaries.