The first-ever satellite geo-tagging of a river dolphin was successfully conducted in the Kulsi River of Kamrup in Assam.
About Gangetic Dolphin:
The Gangetic Dolphin is a freshwater river dolphin and one of the few species of river dolphins found globally. It inhabits the river systems of Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu, spanning Nepal, India, and Bangladesh.
- Common Names: Blind dolphin, Ganges dolphin, Ganges susu, hihu, side-swimming dolphin, South Asian River Dolphin
- Scientific Name: Platanista gangetica
- National Symbol: Declared as India’s National Aquatic Animal.
Description:
The Ganges River dolphin is characterized by its long, slender snout, rounded belly, stocky body, and large flippers. It primarily feeds on fish and is commonly found in counter-current systems within the main river channel.
- This dolphin is also known as the “blind dolphin” due to the absence of a lens in its eyes.
- It uses a highly developed bio-sonar system to navigate and hunt for prey, even in murky waters.
- As a mammal, it cannot breathe underwater and must surface every 30–120 seconds. The sound it makes while breathing has earned it the nickname ‘Susu’.
Conservation Status:
- IUCN: Endangered
- Wildlife (Protection) Act of India: Schedule I
- CITES: Appendix I
