Why in the News?

The first-ever Ganges River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica) has been tagged in Assam, marking a major achievement in wildlife conservation.

About Ganges River Dolphin:

Details

- Ganga River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica) – Known as the “Tiger of the Ganges,” discovered in 1801.
- Declared National Aquatic Animal in 2009 and State Aquatic Animal of Assam.
The announcement was made at the first meeting of the National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA).

Habitat: Around 90% of the species live in India, primarily in the Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli river systems.
Features: Blind, lives in freshwater, uses ultrasonic sounds to hunt, travels in small groups, and surface every 30-120 seconds for breathing.

Importance and Threats

Acts as an indicator of river ecosystem health (being the apex predator).
Threats: Unintentional killing through fishing gear, poaching for oil, habitat destruction, pollution (industrial waste, pesticides, noise).

Protection Status and Government Initiatives

Protection Status:

Conservation Initiatives: Project Dolphin, Vikramshila Ganges Dolphin Sanctuary (Bihar), National Ganga River Dolphin Day (October 5).

Launch: Announced by PM Narendra Modi on 15th August 2020.
Objective: Conservation of India’s riverine and oceanic dolphins.
Duration: 10-year initiative.
Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change.
Key Objectives:
- Safeguard India’s dolphin population by mitigating threats to riverine and oceanic species.
- Address conservation challenges while engaging stakeholders in dolphin conservation efforts.

[2015] Which one of the following is the national aquatic animal of India?

(a) Saltwater crocodile

(b) Olive ridley turtle

(d) Gharial