Prelims Perspective: What needs to be learned?
- What is Project Dolphin- Key species involved
- Status/sanctuaries and important facts
- Irrawaddy Dolphin — distribution & conservation status
What needs to be known?
- Project Dolphin
- What is it?: It is a flagship conservation initiative to protect dolphin species, and conserve aquatic ecosystems
- Objectives of Project Dolphin
- Conserve dolphin species — Ganges River, Indus River and marine dolphins.
- Protection and restoration of Dolphin habitat.
- Studies to understand populations, threats and ecology.
- Local community engagement.
- Incorporating modern technology for conservation activities.
- Species Under Project Dolphin
- Gangetic River Dolphin
- Found in the Ganga–Brahmaputra River systems.
- Listed as Endangered (IUCN) and acts as an indicator species.
- Designated conservation zones like Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary in Bihar.
- Indus River Dolphin
- Found mainly in the Beas River in India.
- Irrawaddy Dolphin
- Found in the Ayeyarwady, Mekong, Mahakam rivers and in India mainly in Chilika Lake (Odisha).
- Listed as Endangered (IUCN) due to habitat degradation and human pressures.
- Protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
- Marine Dolphins
- Includes coastal/marine dolphin species, often part of the project’s broader scope.
- Gangetic River Dolphin
PYQ:
Other than poaching, what are the possible reasons for the decline in the population o Ganges River Dolphins? (2014)
- Construction of dams and barrages on rivers
- Increase in the population of crocodiles in rivers
- Getting trapped in fishing nets accidentally
- Use of synthetic fertilisers and other agricultural chemicals in crop-fields in the vicinity of rivers
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans: (c)
Source: PIB