Why is it in the news?
- India’s first National Dolphin Research Centre (NDRC) was inaugurated in Patna, Bihar.
- The first of its kind in Asia, serves as a hub for scientists and researchers dedicated to the study of Gangetic Dolphins.
- It aims to boost conservation efforts for Gangetic Dolphins, India’s national aquatic animal.
| About Gangetic Dolphin
· Found in the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu river systems of Nepal, India, and Bangladesh. · Classified as endangered by IUCN, listed under Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, and under Appendix I of CITES. · Locally known as “susu”, they are blind and rely on echolocation for hunting. Females are larger than males and give birth once every two to three years to only one calf. Initiatives for Conservation · Project Dolphin (2021). · Habitat has been notified as Protected Areas, such as Vikramshila Dolphin Sanctuary, Bihar. · Declaration of National Dolphin Day (5th October). · A comprehensive action plan (2022-2047) has been developed to ensure well-being of the river dolphin and aquatic habitats. · Global Declaration for River Dolphins.
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