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Bleak outlook for this river dweller
The Indus river dolphin is one of the world's rarest mammals and the second most endangered freshwater river dolphin. It is one of the flagship species, which is only found in Pakistan and is an indicator of the biological health of the aquatic and terrestrial environment adjoining the Indus River. However, the population of this species has gradually declined because of various factors, including water pollution, poaching, fragmentation of habitat due to barrages, and dolphin strandings in the irrigation canals. Now approximately 2,000 specimens of this species exist in a small fraction of their former range, the lower reaches of the Indus River in Pakistan.
Indus River dolphin, bhulan, blind river dolphin, Indus dolphin, side swimming dolphin; Plataniste de l'Indus (Fr); Delfín del Indo (Sp)
habitat
Indus River System in Pakistan
population
Approximately 1960 individuals
height & length
About 2.5 meter
scientific name
Platanista minor
status
IUCN: Endangered
weight
70 - 110 kg
WWF have been protecting and conserving the Indus River dolphin directly by rescuing stranded dolphins and reducing wildlife crime.
Alongside, we also use community based conservation approach to create awareness regarding ecological importance of dolphins and introduce sustainable fishing practices, through trainings and workshops, to maintain healthy aquatic ecosystems.
Better management practices in agriculture sector have also been introduced to the communities, which are helping in reducing water pollution and protecting the species.
We have also been working with fishing communities and providing them with alternative skills to aid in diversifying their livelihood options, which in turn would reduce pressure from natural resources.
Conservation Success
WWF-Pakistan has been working to save Indus River dolphin for over decades. Due to various conservation interventions, the population of dolphin has now increased from a few hundreds to close to 2,000.