Historic tagging of Ganges River Dolphin marks major wildlife conservation achievement in eastern India
by Shravya
Visuals show the team of fishermen carefully guiding the dolphin back into the water body after tagging it.
According to Abdul Wakid, a member of the expert team, “We know how much space and range a tiger or an elephant requires within our forests. However, we don’t yet have specific data regarding the same for the Ganges river dolphin. For us, satellite tagging of a Ganges river dolphin is a groundbreaking development as this has happened for the first time.” He added, “The plan is to satellite tag another two or three dolphins in the next few weeks.” Ganges river dolphins are unique in their ecology, being nearly blind and relying on echolocation for their biological needs.
Project investigator, Vishnupriya Kolipakam, commented, “This is a significant advancement in understanding the ecological needs of river dolphins, which will aid in conserving critical habitats within this vast river ecosystem. This is crucial not only for aquatic biodiversity but also for sustaining the thousands of people who depend on these resources.”