GANGETIC DOLPHIN (Syllabus: GS Paper 3– En & Eco)

Context: Scientists and researchers recently published that 19 Gangetic river dolphins were rescued from Ganga-Ghagra basin canals in Uttar Pradesh between 2013 and 2020.

Gangetic Dolphin

• About: The Gangetic Dolphin, is a freshwater species and among the rare river dolphins globally.
• Scientific Name: Platanista gangetica.
• Also known as: “SUSU” or Sisu.
• Distribution: It resides in the river systems of Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu, spanning Nepal, India, and Bangladesh.
• Other Name: Blind dolphin, Ganges dolphin, Ganges susu, hihu, side-swimming dolphin, or South Asian River Dolphin.

oThe Gangetic Dolphin holds the distinction of being India's National Aquatic Animal.

• Conservation status

o IUCN: Endangered

o Wildlife (Protection) Act: Schedule-I 

o CITES: Appendix I