Indus and Ganges River Dolphins, two separate species

  • IASbaba
  • April 13, 2021
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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).

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