Project Dolphin announced

Project Dolphin announced

Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Environment; Biodiversity 

In news

• The Indian Prime Minister had announced the government’s plan to launch a Project Dolphin in his recent Independence Day Speech.

• Aim: To save both river and marine dolphins.
• Implemented by: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
• Project Dolphin will be on the lines of Project Tiger.

Important value additions

Gangetic Dolphin

• Scientific Name: Platanista gangetica
• These are generally blind. 
• They catch their prey by emitting an ultrasonic sound which reaches the prey.
• These are also called Susu.
• It is found mainly in the Indian subcontinent, particularly in Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu river systems and in the Ganga’s tributaries.
• Threats: Construction of dams, Pollution, excessive silting and sand mining.
• It has been recognized by the Indian Government as its National Aquatic Animal
• It is the official animal of the Guwahati, Assam.
• IUCN Status:  Endangered 

Do you know?

• They are included in Appendix I (most endangered) of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).
• They are also included in Appendix II of the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS).
• The National Mission for Clean Ganga celebrates 5th October as National Ganga River Dolphin Day.