The study was conducted by scientists by surveying the tributaries and sub-tributaries of the Ganga river.
Key finding of the study
- Small rivers harbor more than 15% of the Gangetic dolphins.
- The distribution of gangetic dolphin has diminished in Son, Ken, Betwa, Sind, Sharda and the upper stretch of the Yamuna River.
- There is a lack of robust ecological information of smaller rivers that has hampered overall river conservation efforts.
Threats to Gangetic dolphins
- Unintentional killing, overfishing and net entanglement, poaching for dolphin oil, pollution, and fragmented populations from dams.
Recommendations
- Comprehensive and inclusive conservation strategies that adopt river basin-wide approach.
- River basin is an area drained by a river and its tributaries.
- Umbrella-species approach can be adopted to conserve small rivers.
- It means that providing adequate space for species which require more space such as gangetic dolphins, will free up space for smaller species in the area.
- Identification of the priority river stretches for protecting biodiversity along with monitoring of biodiversity changes, implementing stringent measures to reduce pollution, etc.
About Gangetic dolphins
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