Consider the following statements regarding the first-ever census of Gangetic dolphins:

1. The first-ever census of Gangetic dolphins, has recorded over 6,300 individuals in the Ganga and its tributaries.

2. The maximum number of dolphins were reported in Bihar.

3. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List, the Ganges river dolphin is classified as ‘Endangered’.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct answer is option 3.

In News

• The Environment Ministry released a report from the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) stating that India’s first-ever census of Gangetic dolphins recorded 6,324 individuals in the Ganga and its tributaries.

Key Points

• The first-ever census of Gangetic dolphins found 6,324 individuals in the Ganga and its tributaries. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
• The maximum number of dolphins were reported in Uttar Pradesh (2,397), followed by Bihar (2,220) and West Bengal (815). Hence, Statement 2 is incorrect.
• According to the IUCN Red List, the Ganges river dolphin (Platanista gangetica) is classified as ‘Endangered’, facing threats from habitat degradation, accidental entanglement in fishing nets, and pollution. Hence, Statement 3 is correct.

Additional Information

• The census used visual and acoustic surveys to count dolphins. Observers recorded sightings while hydrophones captured echo-location sounds to ensure accuracy.
• The Ganges river dolphin is blind and relies on echolocation to navigate and hunt prey.
• Project Dolphin, launched in 2020, aims to conserve both riverine and marine dolphins through community participation and habitat protection.
• Major threats to dolphins include:
  • Accidental entanglement in fishing nets, leading to suffocation.
  • Poaching for oil and blubber, which is used as bait for catching catfish.
  • Pollution and habitat destruction, including river damming and sand mining.
• India has two species of freshwater dolphins: Ganges river dolphin (Platanista gangetica gangetica) and Indus river dolphin (Platanista gangetica minor).