Opportunities for M. Sc / Ph. D Students to Carryout Research on Indus River Dolphins (Platanista gangetica minor)

One of the most important projects of WWF – Pakistan is the protection and conservation of “Blind Indus River Dolphins”, a unique and endangered species only found in Pakistan. Since 2000, WWF – P has been working in close collaboration with provincial partner organizations such as Sindh Wildlife Department, Sindh Fisheries Departmtne, Irrigation Department, Agriculture Extension Department and Sindh Environment Protection Department for the conservation of Indus Dolphins. Derails on Indus River Dolphin Conservation Project (IRDCP) are available on our website
www.wwfpak.org/species/indus_dolphin.php
    
A very little scientific research has so far been carried out on Indus River Dolphins (Platanista gangetica minor). There are many aspects of Indus Dolphin conservation which still needs to be investigated. WWF – P as being a research based organization always encourages academia to take part in our conservation initiatives. There are many research opportunities available under Indus River Dolphin Conservation Programme, for example;

1. Monitoring of the core habitat of Indus Dolphin and determining the health of the habitat
2. Investigation on the dietary habits of Indus Dolphins
3. Monitoring the prey fish species, their health, quantity etc.
4. Genetic study of the Indus Dolphins and analysis of DNA
5. Or any other relevant area of study, which will be useful for the conservation of this endangered species.

 

WWF – P is willing to facilitate students who are interested to do research on Indus Dolphins for the completion of their M.Sc or Ph. D studies. WWF – P will facilitate and coordinate with the selected students and the host institution to fine tune the actual area of research. In addition, WWF – P will also cover all the field related expenses for their research.

If interested, please send your request with the consent of your institution along with the proposed research topic for consideration at the following email address:

rmahmood@wwf.org.pk

Or for more information please contact:

Rizwan Mahmood
Manager Indus River Dolphin Conservation Project (IRDCP)
rmahmood@wwf.org.pk