Southasian_Riverdolphin.pptx

South Asian river dolphin, Platanista gangetica aka blind river dolphins, Ganges dolphins, Ganges river dolphins, Ganges susu, Indus river dolphin

1. SOUTH ASIAN RIVER DOLPHIN -By Ananya sharma B.sc(H) Forensic science

2. This greyish-brown dolphin has an unusual looking head and face; their teeny eyes are only visible as pin-prick sized openings just above the end of their upturned mouth line. The very long, slender snout is lined with lots of sharp, pointy teeth which get longer towards the tip and are visible on the outside of the mouth. The dorsal fin is more of a low hump and the belly is rounded which gives these dolphins a stocky appearance. The triangular-shaped flippers are large and broad; they are squared-off at the end and have a crenulated trailing edge. The tail flukes are also large and wide. South Asian river dolphins, Platanista gangetica aka blind river dolphins , Ganges dolphins , Ganges river dolphins, Ganges susu , and Indus river dolphins , are comprised of two subspecies: * Ganges river dolphins , P. gangetica gangetica , and * Indus river dolphins , P. gangetica minor.

3. Native to freshwater rivers located in Bangladesh,  India , Pakistan , and Nepal . They are most commonly found in waters abundant in prey consisting of various shrimp and fish (carp and catfish) and a reduced water current. River dolphins are split into two subspecies, namely the Ganges and Indus . The Ganges subspecies inhabits the Ganges- Brahmaputra- Meghna and Kampaphuli-Sangu river systems of Bangladesh and India with small populations located on the Ghaghara River and Sapta Kosi River. The Indus subspecies can be found between the Sukkur and Guddu barrage in the Sind Province of Pakistan. Location

4. Why South Asian river dolphin are becoming endangered species? T he Ganges river dolphin can only live in freshwater and is essentially blind. They hunt by emitting ultrasonic sounds, which bounces off of fish and other prey, enabling them to “see” an image in their mind. 01. The construction of hydropower dams and irrigation barrages, These dolphins are hunted by people in the Brahmaputra River for meat and by fishermen in the Ganges River for oil. Dolphin oil is a valuable fish bait, so fishermen have a great incentive to kill these gentle creatures. 02. D irect action by humans

5. The pollution in South Asian rivers has increased with industrialization and the spread of intensive agricultural techniques caused by water diversion. Arsenic and DDT as well as salts have contaminated the rivers inhabited by the South Asian river dolphins. Other toxins found in the tissues of Ganges river dolphins include butyltin and organochlorine, which increased with industrialization and agriculture.  03. P ollution of their waterways Changes in water quality or habitat loss for certain fish species that south Asian river dolphins need for food have resulted in a decrease of prey species . More than 50 dams have been constructed affecting the habitat of the Ganges river dolphins since 2000. Currently there are dams and similar projects in development in the Karnali river in Nepal and the Surma river in Cachar, India. The man-made barriers also cause the formation of reservoirs with heavy sedimentation, leading to excessive salinity and destruction of habitats. 04. A ccidental entanglement and drowning in fishing nets

6. Why is it necessary to save South Asian River Dolphins? Biodiversity: The South Asian river dolphin is an important part of the region's biodiversity, and its loss would have significant ecological impacts on freshwater ecosystems. Cultural significance: The species has cultural significance in many South Asian communities, and is often regarded as sacred in Hindu mythology. Its loss would therefore have significant cultural and spiritual impacts. Indicator species: The South Asian river dolphin is an indicator species, which means its presence or absence can provide valuable information about the health of freshwater ecosystems. If the species were to become extinct, it could signal wider environmental problems in the region.. 1. 2. 3.

7. Economic importance: The South Asian river dolphin is a major tourist attraction in the region, and its loss could have significant economic impacts on local communities that rely on tourism for their livelihoods.. Conservation value: Finally, the conservation of the South Asian river dolphin is important in its own right, as all species have inherent value and are deserving of protection. Saving this species would be an important achievement in global efforts to preserve biodiversity and protect endangered species. 4. 5.