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 ofdams, Pollution, excessive silting and sand mining.
It has been recognized by the Indian Government as its National Aquatic Animal
