India's Dolphins Under the Spotlight: Nationwide Census Kicks Off
Image Source: Internet
India's environment ministry has launched the second nationwide dolphin census, aiming to gather robust scientific data to inform conservation efforts. The survey, led by 26 researchers, will cover over 7,000 kilometers of rivers across the country, including the Ganga, Indus, and Brahmaputra. The initiative will assess the status of three dolphin species – the Ganges River Dolphin, Indus River Dolphin, and Irrawaddy Dolphin – and identify threats to their habitats. The previous census (2021-23) estimated 6,327 riverine dolphins in India, with Uttar Pradesh and Bihar hosting the largest populations. This new survey will expand on the previous methodology, covering new areas and species, and providing crucial insights for conservation planning. The Wildlife Institute of India is coordinating the survey with state forest departments and conservation organizations. A regional training workshop for forest staff has been held in Uttar Pradesh, and further training sessions will be conducted to ensure standardized field capacity. The survey comes as the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife has approved a plan to maintain a navigational channel for vessels in the Sultanganj-Kahalgaon stretch of National Waterway-1 in Bihar. However, the committee has recommended that a detailed dredging plan be prepared to minimize the impact on aquatic life and the endangered Ganges River Dolphin, which inhabits the Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary. The nationwide census is expected to provide valuable insights into the status of India's dolphin populations and inform evidence-based conservation efforts to protect these iconic species.
