Why is it in the news?
- Recently, 11 Countries Signed first-of-its-kind Global Declaration of River Dolphins by 2030.
- The Eleven River dolphin range states are Bangladesh, Bolivia, Brazil, Cambodia, Colombia, Ecuador, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Peru, and Venezuela.
More about the news
Primary Aim of the Declaration:
- Reverse Decline: Halt and reverse the decline of all river dolphin species in both Asia and South America.
- Effort Scaling: Boost collective actions to protect remaining river dolphin species. This includes funding and developing measures to tackle threats like gillnets and pollution, expanding research, and increasing protected areas.
- River Health: Focus on enhancing the health of rivers vital for many communities, economies, and critical ecosystems.
Eight Pillars of the Declaration:
- Protected Areas: Establish a network of protected areas for dolphins.
- River Dolphin Site Management: Enhance the management of these sites.
- Research and Monitoring: Expand research activities and monitor dolphin populations.
- Community Engagement: Involve local communities and Indigenous Peoples in conservation efforts.
- Sustainable Fishing: Eradicate harmful fishing practices.
- Water Quality & Quantity: Improve the water quality and ensure adequate quantity.
- Awareness: Celebrate World River Dolphin Day to spread awareness.
- Resources and Partnerships: Increase resource allocation and foster partnerships for conservation.
Significance of River Dolphins
- River dolphins are apex predators in prominent river systems and serve as indicators of river health. Since the 1980s, their populations have declined by 73%.
Surviving River Dolphin Species:
Amazon Dolphin (Boto):
- Habitat: Exclusively freshwater.
- IUCN Status: Endangered.
Ganges Dolphin (Susu):
- Habitat: Primarily in the Ganges and Brahmaputra River systems in India and Bangladesh.
- IUCN Status: Endangered.
Indus Dolphin (Bhulan):
- Habitat: Pakistan and River Beas in Punjab, a tributary of the Indus River.
- IUCN Status: Endangered.
Irrawaddy Dolphin:
- Habitat: Coastal areas of South and Southeast Asia, and rivers like Ayeyarwady, Mahakam, Mekong, and Chilika lake.
- IUCN Status: Endangered.
Tucuxi Dolphin:
- Habitat: Amazon River system in countries like Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
- IUCN Status: Endangered.
Yangtze Finless Porpoise:
- Habitat: Exclusively in the Yangtze River, Asia’s longest river.
- IUCN Status: Critically Endangered.