Ganges river dolphin tagged for the first time in Assam

Why in the NEWS?

Recently, the Ganges River Dolphin was tagged for the first time in Assam.
The Wildlife Institute of India in collaboration with the Assam Forest Department tagged a healthy male dolphin and released it under veterinary care.
Given the lack of information on the habitat requirements, movement patterns or home-range of the Ganges River Dolphin, it was decided to carry out satellite tagging of the dolphin across its dispersal range.
Tagging will help in understanding the seasonal and migratory patterns, range, distribution and habitat use of the dolphin
Particularly where the river course has been altered by human activity, which impedes the movement of the species

Ganges River Dolphin

Its scientific name is Platanista Gangetica.
It is the national aquatic animal of India.
- This dolphin is blind.
- It can live only in fresh water.
- It cannot breathe in water, so it has to come out of water to breathe.
- It is also called 'Susu' due to the sound it makes while breathing.
It is found in India, Nepal and Bangladesh.
In India, it is found in the Ganges River and its tributaries Ghaghara, Koshi, Gandak, Chambal, and Yamuna etc.
Vikramshila Ganges Dolphin Sanctuary has been established in Bihar.
October 5 is celebrated as National Ganges River Dolphin Day.
In the year 2009, the Government of India recognized the Ganges Dolphin as the national aquatic animal.