India's first comprehensive river dolphin population survey has unveiled a total of 6,327 river dolphins across various river basins. This remarkable figure includes 6,324 Gangetic dolphins inhabiting the Ganga and Brahmaputra river basins, alongside three Indus river dolphins found in the Beas river of Punjab.
Conducted between 2021 and 2023, the survey spanned 8,406 km of the Ganga and Brahmaputra river basins and an additional 101 km of the Beas river. The estimation involved boats operating in 28 rivers, while 30 river stretches were mapped using road surveys.
Among the “range states,” a total of 2,397 dolphins were recorded:
The survey identified the following stretches with notable dolphin densities:
Despite the positive findings, river dolphins face significant threats, including habitat degradation, pollution, dam construction, and water diversion. Additionally, accidental entanglement in fishing gear and illegal poaching pose serious risks to their survival.
Launched in August 2020, Project Dolphin aims to conserve and restore river dolphin habitats. The project addresses various threats, enhances water quality, and actively involves local communities in conservation efforts.
The survey was a collaborative effort led by the Wildlife Institute of India, in conjunction with state forest departments from Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Assam, Jharkhand, and Rajasthan. Non-profit organizations such as Aaranyak, WWF, Turtle Survival Alliance, and Wildlife Trust of India also played crucial roles in this initiative.
Q1. How many river dolphins are found in India?
Answer: India’s river dolphin population stands at 6,327, comprising mostly Gangetic dolphins in significant river basins.
Q2. What methods were used in the dolphin survey?
Answer: The survey employed boats for estimation in 28 rivers and mapped 30 river stretches by road, covering over 8,400 km.
Q3. Which states have the most river dolphins?
Answer: Bihar, Assam, and West Bengal report the highest river dolphin populations, with Bihar having the largest share.
Q4. What are the main threats to river dolphins?
Answer: Major threats include habitat degradation, pollution, dam construction, and illegal poaching, which are detrimental to dolphin survival.
Q5. What is Project Dolphin?
Answer: Project Dolphin is an initiative aimed at conserving river dolphin habitats by addressing environmental threats and promoting community involvement.
Question 1: How many river dolphins were recorded in India during the 2023 survey?
A) 5,000
B) 6,327
C) 3,000
D) 8,000
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: Which river had the highest number of dolphins according to the survey?
A) Beas River
B) Ganga River
C) Yamuna River
D) Brahmaputra River
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: What was the primary purpose of Project Dolphin?
A) Increase fishing quotas
B) Conserve river dolphin habitats
C) Build more dams
D) Promote tourism
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: Which organization led the survey on river dolphins in India?
A) WWF
B) Wildlife Institute of India
C) Aaranyak
D) Turtle Survival Alliance
Correct Answer: B
Kutos : AI Assistant!
