The study was conducted by scientists by  surveying the tributaries and sub-tributaries of the Ganga river.

Key finding of the study

• Small rivers harbor more than 15% of the Gangetic dolphins.
• The distribution of gangetic dolphin has diminished in Son, Ken, Betwa, Sind, Sharda and the upper stretch of the Yamuna River.
• There is a lack of robust ecological information of smaller rivers that  has hampered overall  river conservation efforts.

Threats to Gangetic dolphins

• Unintentional killing, overfishing and net entanglement, poaching for dolphin oil, pollution, and fragmented populations from dams.

Recommendations

• Comprehensive and inclusive conservation strategies that adopt river basin-wide approach.
  • River basin is an area drained by a river and its tributaries.
• Umbrella-species approach can be adopted to conserve small rivers.
  • It means  that providing adequate space for species which require more space such as gangetic dolphins, will free up space for smaller species in the area.
• Identification of the priority river stretches for protecting biodiversity along with  monitoring of biodiversity changes, implementing stringent measures to reduce pollution, etc.

About Gangetic dolphins Protection status IUCN: Endangered CITES: Appendix I WPA 1972: Schedule I and IV. Part of Species Recovery Programme. Characteristics A long thin snout, rounded belly, stocky body and large flippers. Only live in freshwater and are essentially blind. Also known as “Susu” based on sound made by them while breathing.  Females are larger than males. Government initiative for protection: Declared as national aquatic animal, Project Dolphins,  Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Wildlife Sanctuary.