Indus River Dolphin

• Context (DTE): India will soon get a clear picture of its Gangetic River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica) and Indus River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica minor) as a result of an 8,000-kilometre aquatic survey.

About Indus River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica minor)

• Locally known as Bhulan, it is the world’s most endangered freshwater dolphin species.
• Distribution: Found only in the lower Indus River system in Pakistan and India.  They favour areas with slow-moving, murky waters.
  • In India, they are found only in a small section of the Beas River in Punjab. It is the state aquatic animal of Punjab.

• Physical description: It has a rounded body with a small triangular hump on its back, which is more pronounced in males.
• They have adapted to life in the muddy river and are functionally blind. They rely on echolocation to navigate, communicate and hunt prey, including prawns, catfish, and carp.
• Diet: Primarily consists of fish, though they also feed on small invertebrates like clams and shrimp.
• Threats: Habitat degradation, water pollution, entanglement in fishing nets as by-catch and human activities like dam construction.
• Conservation Status: IUCN: Endangered | WPA, 1972: Schedule I | CITES: Appendix I | CMS: Appendix II.
• Significance: They are a valuable indicator species indicating a thriving ecosystem with sufficient food and water.