India’s revered Ganges River, known for its spiritual significance, is home to a remarkable population of dolphins, although their survival is increasingly jeopardized. Unlike their oceanic counterparts, these river dolphins exhibit unique behaviors: they do not leap out of the water or swim upright; instead, they swim sideways, spend considerable time submerged, and possess elongated snouts while being nearly blind.
These are the Gangetic dolphins, a distinct species of river dolphin recognized as India’s national aquatic animal, primarily inhabiting the Ganges-Brahmaputra river system in northern India. A recent survey has identified approximately 6,327 river dolphins in India, with a predominant count of 6,324 being Gangetic dolphins, and a mere three being Indus dolphins. The majority of Indus dolphins reside in Pakistan, given the river’s transnational flow.
Survey sheds light on dolphin population
Both species of these dolphins are listed as “endangered” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). To establish the first comprehensive population count of river dolphins in India, researchers from the Wildlife Institute of India conducted surveys across 58 rivers in 10 states between 2021 and 2023.
The evolutionary history of river dolphins is as intriguing as the creatures themselves. Often referred to as “living fossils,” they are believed to have descended from marine ancestors millions of years ago. As ancient seas inundated low-lying regions of South Asia, these dolphins migrated inland and remained when the waters receded, adapting to the murky, shallow river habitats over time.
Experts assert that the recent survey is vital for monitoring the population of river dolphins. Since 1980, over 500 dolphins have perished, many falling victim to accidental entanglement in fishing nets or intentional killings, underscoring the ongoing threats facing the species.
“Up until the early 2000s, there was very little awareness about river dolphins,” says conservationist Ravindra Kumar Sinha.
In 2009, the Gangetic river dolphin was designated as India’s national aquatic animal in an effort to enhance conservation awareness. Initiatives such as a 2020 action plan and the establishment of a dedicated research center in 2024 have contributed to the resurgence of their population. However, conservationists warn that significant challenges remain.
Challenges to survival and conservation efforts
Dolphins continue to face threats from poachers, targeting them for their meat and blubber, which is used to produce fishing bait oil. Additionally, collisions with boats and entrapment in fishing gear lead to further fatalities. Nachiket Kelkar from the Wildlife Conservation Trust highlighted that many fishermen refrain from reporting accidental dolphin deaths due to fears of legal repercussions, as Indian wildlife laws categorize such incidents as “hunting,” incurring severe penalties. This often results in fishermen discreetly disposing of carcasses to avoid fines.
The rise of river cruise tourism in India over the past decade has also created additional pressures on dolphin habitats. Numerous cruise operations now navigate both the Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers. According to conservationist Ravindra Kumar Sinha, increased noise disturbances from these cruises pose a significant threat to dolphins, who are particularly sensitive to sound. Sinha warns that the escalating vessel traffic may push Gangetic dolphins to the brink of extinction, akin to the fate of the Baiji dolphins in China’s Yangtze River.
River dolphins’ unique adaptations contribute to their vulnerability; their poor eyesight and slower swimming speeds increase the likelihood of collisions with boats and obstacles. Compounding these risks is their prolonged reproductive cycle, with maturation occurring between six and ten years and females typically birthing a single calf every two to three years.
Despite the numerous challenges, Sinha remains optimistic about the future of river dolphins in India. “Government initiatives have played a big role in saving the dolphins. A lot has been done but a lot more remains to be done too,” he concludes.