Where are Ganges river dolphin found?
Ganges river dolphin are found in the Ganga, Brahmaputra, Karnaphuli-Sangu river basins and their tributaries in India, Nepal and Bangladesh.
Is the Ganges river dolphin blind?
The Ganges river dolphin has poor eyesight, being almost blind. They are only able to sense light and darkness.
Is the Ganges river dolphin endangered?
Yes the Ganges river dolphin is endangered. Increased motorboat traffic, dredging to widen and deepen river channels, hunting for meat and oil, development activities such as construction of dams and barrages, overfishing, pollution and entanglement in fishing nets are main threats to their population.
What are some conservation initiatives for the Ganges river dolphin?
In 1991, Vikramshila Ganges Dolphin Sanctuary was set up along the Ganga in Bihar to conserve the species. In 2013, Ganges river dolphin was granted non-human personhood with rights. Additionally, Project Dolphin was started in 2020 to conserve the species. The Ganges river dolphin has also been declared India's national aquatic animal.
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