Context
The census of one of the world’s most threatened cetaceans, the Indus river dolphin (Platanista gangetica minor) will commence in the winter as part of a project by the Centre.
About Dolphins
Dolphins are highly intelligent marine mammals and are part of the family of toothed whales that includes orcas and pilot whales.They are found worldwide, mostly in shallow seas of the continental shelves, and are carnivores, mostly eating fish and squid.
Indus River Dolphin:
- It is one of the world's rarest mammals and the second most endangered freshwater river dolphin.
- It is one of the flagship species and is an indicator of the biological health of the aquatic and terrestrial environment adjoining the Indus River.
- Habitat: Today, they can only be found in the lower parts of the Indus River in Pakistan and in River Beas, a tributary of the Indus River in Punjab, India.
- They have adapted to life in the muddy river and are functionally blind.
- They rely on echolocation to navigate, communicate and hunt prey including prawns, catfish, and carp.
- Conservation status: They are classified as Endangered as per the IUCN Red List.
