Gangetic River Dolphin

  • IASbaba
  • January 9, 2021
  • 0
UPSC Articles

Gangetic River Dolphin

Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II – Policies and Interventions

In news

  • A video of a group of men and boys in Uttar Pradesh’s Pratapgarh district beating to death a Gangetic river dolphin surfaced on social media recently.
  • An endangered species, the Gangetic River Dolphin is recognised as the National Aquatic Animal of India.

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 

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