Context:
A very large survey has brought out the figure of 6,327 Gangetic dolphins inhabiting the waters of the Ganga and its tributaries, it is the very first standardized assessment of their population. At present, because of varied previous counting methodologies, this number cannot yet indicate trends in population over time.
Distribution of Dolphin Population
- Main stem Ganga: 3,275 dolphins
- Tributaries of Ganga: 2,414 dolphins
- Main stem Brahmaputra: 584 dolphins
- Tributaries of Brahmaputra: 412 dolphins
- Beas River: 101 dolphins
- Indus River Dolphins: 3 Individuals
This survey is the first step undertaken in scientific conservation efforts, covering a huge expanse of river stretches that totals 8,507 km.
Difficulties in Counting the Dolphins
- For dolphins found in the rivers, the population statistics were difficult to include:
- Submerged in water for an inordinate time, only coming up occasionally for a breath.
- Without any most distinctive feature to indicate individuals, like stripes in tigers.
New Survey Methodology
- Acoustic Hydrophones (Underwater microphones), which capture dolphin echolocation clicks from underwater, will be used to create sounds that can be together used by the observers to triangulate dolphins locations, thus preventing duplicate counting.
Threats of Gangetic Dolphins
- For entangling fishnets is one of the leading causes of death.
- Further studies are being conducted to detect how pollution and environmental degradation would affect dolphin survival.
Roadmap for Conservation in the Future
- For four years next survey with the very same improved devices methods will be used.
- Prime Minister had stressed local community participation in conservation while releasing the report in the National Board for Wildlife meeting in Gujarat.
- Compulsory educational outreach programs with students attached to raise awareness concerning dolphin habitats.
State Wise Dolphin Population
- Uttar Pradesh (UP) is the state, which, taken as a whole, boasts the highest number of Gangetic dolphins.
- Next comes Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam.
With standardized survey methods, simple and focused conservation strategies, India is gearing up for a major leap in the direction of ensuring a favorable future for the Gangetic dolphin, one of the most relevant indicators of river ecosystem health.
Source: TH
