Indus River Dolphin

News: Conservation efforts, including legal protection, scientific research, and community participation through “Dolphin Mitras,” have helped revive Indus river dolphin population and provide it a fighting chance for survival.

About Indus River Dolphin

• They are one of the world’s rarest mammals and the second most endangered freshwater river dolphin.
• Scientific name: Their scientific name is Platanista minor. 
  • They are part of the Platanistidae family.
• They are also known as the “bhulan.” 
• Habitat: They are only found in freshwater. 
  • They usually prefer shallow, murky waters but are sometimes found in the main channels of rivers and tributaries during the flood season.
• Distribution:  Today, their range is limited to the lower and middle areas of the Indus River in south-central Pakistan. A small population also exists in the Beas River in India.
  • Historically, their range extended from the Indus River delta to the foothills of the Himalayas.
  • They were also found in the tributaries of the Indus River. 
• Characteristics 
  • Appearance: Body colour is generally grey, with a pale white or pinkish underside.
  • Females are usually slightly larger than males.
  • They have a rounded, robust body with a small triangular dorsal fin positioned far back.
  • A distinctive “melon” (rounded forehead) helps in receiving environmental sounds.
  • Their eyes are small, underdeveloped and functionally blind. 
  • Their length ranges between 7- 8.5 feet, and their weight is approximately 150 to 200 pounds.
  • Behaviour: They produce sound almost constantly to navigate, communicate, and find food. 
    • They are usually found individually or in pairs but have also been seen in groups of up to 10. 
    • They often swim on their side. They dive for 30 to 90 seconds and are able to hold their breath for several minutes. 
  • Diet: They consume clams, fish, and shrimp. 
    • They use their long beaks to search for prey along the riverbed. Their sharp, fang-like teeth help in capturing and eating prey.
  • Lifespan: They can live for about 30 years. 
• Threats
  • Entanglement
  • Habitat degradation
  • Noise
  • Chemical contaminants
  • Vessel strikes
• Conservation status: 
  • IUCN: It is classified as Endangered.
  • Wildlife Protection Act 1972: It is classified as Schedule I.