Historic Tagging of Ganges River Dolphin in Assam
Today marks a significant milestone in wildlife conservation as the first-ever Ganges River Dolphin has been tagged in Assam, India. This groundbreaking initiative is part of Project Dolphin, which aims to enhance the understanding and conservation of this endangered species. The tagging was conducted under the guidance of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and executed by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) in collaboration with the Assam Forest Department and Aaranyak. Funding for this project was provided by the National CAMPA Authority. This event is not only a first for India but also for the Ganges River Dolphin species globally.
Understanding the Ganges River Dolphin
The Ganges River Dolphin, known scientifically as Platanista gangetica, is a unique aquatic mammal that serves as India’s National Aquatic Animal. These dolphins are nearly blind and rely on echolocation to navigate their environment. Historically, they were found across the Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli river systems. However, their population has drastically declined over the past century, with approximately 90% of the remaining population residing in India.
Despite their wide distribution, significant knowledge gaps exist regarding their ecology and behavior. Ganges River Dolphins surface for only 5 to 30 seconds at a time, making it challenging for researchers to gather data on their habitat needs and movement patterns. This lack of information has hindered effective conservation efforts. The recent tagging initiative aims to address these gaps by providing crucial data on their seasonal and migratory patterns, range, distribution, and habitat utilization.
The Tagging Initiative
The tagging of the Ganges River Dolphin in Assam involved the careful selection of a healthy male dolphin. The process was conducted with utmost veterinary care to ensure the animal’s well-being. The lightweight tags used in this initiative are designed to emit signals compatible with Argos satellite systems, allowing researchers to track the dolphins even with their limited surfacing time. This technological advancement is a game-changer for wildlife conservation, as it minimizes interference with the dolphins’ natural movements.
Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav, expressed his enthusiasm for this historic achievement. He highlighted the importance of this project in deepening the understanding of the Ganges River Dolphin and enhancing conservation efforts. The tagging initiative is expected to pave the way for similar efforts in other states where these dolphins are found, thereby building a comprehensive understanding of their population dynamics and habitat requirements.
The Importance of Conservation Efforts
The Ganges River Dolphin is an apex predator and plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of river ecosystems. As an umbrella species, their well-being is vital for the sustenance of the entire aquatic environment. The MoEFCC, through the National CAMPA Authority, has funded extensive research to develop a conservation action plan for the Ganges River Dolphin. This initiative aims to fill existing knowledge gaps and ensure the long-term conservation of the species.
Director of the Wildlife Institute of India, Shri Virendra R. Tiwari, emphasized that tagging the river dolphins will contribute to evidence-based conservation strategies. Project investigator Dr. Vishnupriya Kolipakam also noted the significance of this advancement in understanding the ecological needs of these dolphins. This knowledge is essential not only for preserving aquatic biodiversity but also for supporting the livelihoods of thousands of people who depend on these river resources.
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