India’s first-ever population estimation of riverine dolphins has revealed the presence of an estimated 6,327 dolphins across the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Indus River systems, marking a significant milestone in conservation efforts. The findings were published in a government report on Monday, shedding new light on the distribution and habitat of these endangered aquatic mammals children love to see.
The Ganges River dolphin, known for its distinctive features and often referred to as the ‘Tiger of the Ganges,’ is predominantly found in the Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna river system and its tributaries. These dolphins are distributed across four countries—India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan—highlighting the transboundary significance of their conservation. Meanwhile, the Indus River dolphin, a close relative of the Ganges River dolphin, has a much smaller population and is primarily located within the Indus River system, with a minor presence in India’s Beas River.
The extensive survey, conducted as part of the ambitious “Project Dolphin” initiative, marks the first systematic effort to estimate river dolphin populations across eight states—Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Assam, and Punjab. The assessment, one of the largest freshwater surveys in the world, covered the entire range of the Ganges River dolphin in the Ganga and Brahmaputra river systems, as well as the Indus River dolphin in the Beas River. The report, titled Population Status of River Dolphin in India, provides critical insights into the current status and distribution of these species.
According to the survey, there are an estimated 6,327 Ganges River dolphins, with a population range between 5,977 and 6,688. However, the study recorded only three Indus River dolphins, emphasizing the critical need for focused conservation efforts for this species. The survey findings indicate that these river dolphins thrive in habitats with sufficient water depth, minimal human disturbances, and healthy ecological conditions.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced Project Dolphin on August 15, 2020, with the primary objective of conserving river dolphins and protecting their freshwater habitats. These species serve as key indicators of river health, and their presence signifies a balanced aquatic ecosystem. The monitoring of dolphin populations is crucial for ensuring their survival, as river dolphins have a slow reproductive rate and inhabit some of the world’s most vulnerable freshwater ecosystems.
The large-scale survey, spanning over 8,000 km, was conducted between 2021 and 2023. It encompassed the vast river networks of eight states, specifically along the Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers, their tributaries, and the Beas River. During the extensive study, 58 rivers were assessed, with researchers actively surveying 28 of them by boat. The remaining 30 rivers were analyzed through road-based surveys, focusing on historical locations where the Ganges River dolphin had previously been reported.
The success of this survey underscores the importance of continued conservation initiatives, sustainable water management practices, and policies that prioritize the protection of India’s riverine biodiversity. With ongoing efforts, the hope is that these endangered dolphins will not only survive but thrive in their natural habitats for generations to come.
