South Asian river dolphin

Physeter macrocephalus NOAA

Kogia sima (transparent background)

Ganges

Ziphius cavirostris NOAA

Pontoporia blainvillei

Inia geoffrensis

South Asian River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica) is a freshwater or river dolphin found in the regions of South Asia, primarily in the countries of India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan. This species is unique among dolphins for its adapted life in murky river waters, which has led to significant anatomical and physiological differences from its marine counterparts. The South Asian River Dolphin is divided into two subspecies: the Ganges River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica gangetica) and the Indus River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica minor).

Description

The South Asian River Dolphin has a robust body with a long, thin snout filled with sharp teeth. Unlike most dolphins, their eyes are small and poorly developed, leading to nearly blind vision. They rely heavily on echolocation to navigate and hunt in the turbid river waters. Their skin color varies from dark gray to brownish. They have a dorsal fin that is more like a low ridge along the back rather than the prominent dorsal fins seen in marine dolphins.

Habitat and Distribution

The habitat of the South Asian River Dolphin is confined to the freshwater river systems of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, Meghna, and Karnaphuli-Sangu in India, Bangladesh, and Nepal for the Ganges subspecies, and the Indus River in Pakistan for the Indus subspecies. These dolphins prefer deep waters in and around river bends, where prey availability is high.

Behavior

South Asian River Dolphins are generally solitary creatures, although they are sometimes seen in small groups. Their social structure is not well understood. They are known to be less active on the surface than their marine relatives, surfacing quietly without much disturbance. Their diet consists mainly of fish and invertebrates.

Conservation Status

The South Asian River Dolphin is classified as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Major threats to their survival include water pollution, habitat loss due to dam construction, unintentional capture in fishing nets, and direct hunting in some areas. Conservation efforts are in place, including protected areas and awareness programs, but the species continues to face significant challenges.

Cultural Significance

In many parts of South Asia, the river dolphin holds cultural significance and is associated with various myths and legends. Efforts to conserve the South Asian River Dolphin often tap into these cultural connections to garner support for conservation measures.