The National Aquatic Animal of India is the Ganges River dolphin which is also commonly known as Sus Riveri. This dolphin species enjoys legal protection and according to the latest estimations, this approximate number of dolphins is about 1,200. Earlier in the 20th century a large number of these animals were killed for their oil and for use in fertilizers. The quality of water in the river has improved considerably and fishing activities have ceased to exist near the headwaters.

Why is the Ganges River dolphin considered as National Aquatic Animal of India?

The Ganges River dolphin is considered as the National Animal of India because it is the most endangered and cyclical species of River Dolphin which once inhabited all major rivers in India. It has recently been listed in the red list of the International Union for Conservation of Nature in 1998 which categorized it as “Endangered”. Investigation shows that by 2008 this species was restricted to few pockets mainly due to extensive fishing operations, pollution, harnessing of water resources, extreme anthropogenic stress and its degradation. In spite of being an endangered species and getting legal protection in India, it keeps on being targeted by fishermen and local population to keep their nets free from tangling.

Features of Ganges River dolphin

  • Ganges river dolphin is oblong in its shape.
  • It is characterized by a high dorsal fin and a short, rounded snout.
  • The body is short and wide with a large head and sloping forehead.
  • Its coloration varies from gray to white; the back has two blackish brown vertical bands.
  • The tail of Ganges River dolphin is black with a long whitish tip which helps in swimming at rapid water currents without going aground or getting entangled by other animals.
  • The diet of the Ganges River dolphin consists of fishes, crabs and other mollusks.
  • The male dolphin weighs up to 130 kg and is about 3 meters long. The female dolphin is slightly smaller in size.

Why should Ganges River dolphins be protected?

  • They are the only productive population of river dolphins in India.
  • They are among the most swimming mammals in the world and have been described by the author as “the most graceful, beautiful and best swimmers in this planet earth”.
  • They have been listed as “endangered species” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature since 1998.
  • New scientific studies have shown that Ganges River dolphins play a significant role in controlling the proliferation of diseases such as cholera, encephalitis and respiratory tract illnesses amongst other diseases; they may also be able to eliminate any such disease by preventing its spread from humans to other animals.
  • Their elimination or suppression will pose an environmental risk serious enough to concern environmentalists, ecologists, scholars and wildlife experts.

Location

Ganges river dolphins are found in the Ganges- Brahmaputra delta in India, Nepal and Bangladesh. Their distribution extends from Narora in Uttar Pradesh to West Bengal. Earlier it was found in all the rivers of India but now it is confined to only selected areas due to anthropogenic disturbances and man-made obstructions. They exist in creeks, oxbow lakes or backwaters within a stretch of 1450 km along the banks of Ganges River (Figure 1).

Conservation Status

According to the IUCN Red list, Ganges River dolphins are categorized as endangered species due to extreme anthropogenic disturbance and its hydrology degradation. According to the National aquatic animal of India act 2001, it is illegal to hunt or kill any species of River dolphin in India. It is listed in Appendix I of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) which prohibits both export and import of this species. The Captive breeding programme for Ganges River dolphins along with its reintroduction has been initiated by the government so as to conserve this endangered species from extinction.

Conclusion

Ganges river dolphins are the most endangered and cyclical species of River Dolphin which once inhabited all major rivers in India. Earlier a large number of these animals were killed for their oil and for use in fertilizers and yet the quality of water in the river has improved considerably. However, fishing activities have ceased to exist near the headwaters of river Ganges due to extensive fishing operations and pollution. This dolphin species is listed as “Endangered” under the IUCN Red list 1998 and its population is decreasing day by day. According to estimation, only 2000-3000 animals remain in this species which is very low considering its presence in past times as well.