The Ganges and Indus river dolphin only stays with its parent for about 9 to 10 months.  Once they are old enough, they go off on their own and do not like to be in groups. The dolphins eat a variety of shrimp, carp, and catfish. The Ganges and Indus river dolphin has been named the National Aquatic Animal of India. Here are some of the main characteristics of the Platanista gangetica.

 

Mature female river dolphins have been recorded to be larger than mature males.  The Ganges and Indus river dolphin is practically blind because it has very small round eyes. In the river, the dolphins eat their food by detecting movements in the water.  Unfortunately the Ganges river dolphins live in poor conditions. Their water is muddy and murky so it leaves it’s more difficult on the dolphins to see.

 

The dolphin’s habitat is located in Pakistan. The Ganges and Indus river dolphins migrate accordingly to seasons.  They can be found below the Chasma, Trimmu, Sidhnai, and the Islam Barrages. Their range has decreased significantly by human barriers and changes in the rain patterns. Not a lot of information is known about these dolphins.

 

The Platanista Gangetica has a chance of being instinct. We are the biggest endangerment to these animals. The best estimate of these animals left is probably about a few seven- hundred.  One of the causes for such little population is that humans have killed more than a 1/3 of the population for food. Another one of the purposes of killing the river dolphins is for their oil. They use the oil for medicine, to rub on someone’s skin. We are the biggest endangerment to these animals.

 

In conclusion, I have learned many interesting facts based on this animal. One interesting fact I learned from this animal is that they have smaller dorsal fins than most regular dolphins. I hope that human beings realize that if we continue to aimlessly kill these animals, they will go extinct. There are only few left in the wild, so I’m hoping there will be a change when it comes to their population growth.

 

Author: Celeste S

Publish: 05/2012

 

Resources:

Marine animal bio.com

 

Photo credit:

national zoo.com