UPSC Articles
Indus and Ganges River Dolphins, two separate species
Part of: GS Prelims and GS – III – Environment; Conservation; Biodiversity
In news
- In a recent research, detailed analysis of South Asian river dolphins has revealed that the Indus and Ganges River dolphins are not one, but two separate species.
Key takeaways
- Currently, Indus and Ganges River dolphins are classified as two subspecies under Platanista gangetica.
- But according to a new study, this classification needs a revision.
- The study estimates that Indus and Ganges river dolphins may have diverged around 550,000 years ago.
Conservation status
- The Indus and Ganges River dolphins are both classified as ‘Endangered’ species by the IUCN.
- The Ganges dolphin is a Schedule I animal under the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972
- It has been included in Annexure – I of Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).
