Echoes of survival
- POSTED ON: 14 Aug, 2024
- TOTAL VIEWS: 281 Views
- POSTED BY: Archana Subramanian | Text: Sony BBC Earth
- ARTICLE POINTS: 100 Points
While dolphins are mostly associated with the sea and ocean, there are some species that live in rivers. Like the Indus River Dolphin (Platanista minor). This amazing mammal is among the world’s most endangered freshwater dolphins, with just 2000 animals left. Since it spends its whole life in freshwater, the Indus River Dolphin uses its sense of touch and echolocation (using sound and echoes to move around) to survive in the murky waters and hunt for food. Its highly flexible neck allows it to manoeuvre easily in shallow waters and narrow river channels.
Challenges
Among the many challenges this species faces, the biggest threat is habitat loss. Water from the river has been diverted into canals to support agriculture and irrigation. In fact, the Indus River Basin Irrigation System is the largest continuous irrigation system in the world with an extensive network of canals. This often leaves dolphins stranded in small pools, far from the main river. Pollution is another significant threat. Industrial waste, agricultural run-off, and domestic sewage are frequently discharged into the river, degrading the water quality and affecting the dolphins’ health. Chemicals and heavy metals in the water can disrupt their reproductive systems. Fishing nets also pose serious dangers. Dolphins can become accidentally entangled in fishing nets, leading to injuries or drowning. Gill nets, in particular, are a major hazard, as they are nearly invisible underwater and can trap dolphins as they swim. Another critical issue is the construction of dams as they alter the river’s flow, create barriers and isolate dolphin populations, which changes the availability of prey species.
Conservation efforts
But there is hope. Dedicated rescue teams, comprising local fishermen and wildlife experts, have been working to move the dolphins trapped in irrigation canals back to the main river. This process is very delicate, as the dolphins have to be captured, wrapped in wet cloth to keep their skin damp and transported back to the main river. There are also restoration projects underway to revitalise rivers and wetlands, maintain natural water flow and safeguard diverse ecosystems. Strict regulations and establishment of protected areas are helping reduce pollution and manage water usage more effectively. Clean-up campaigns, educational programmes and local involvement is building a sense of community stewardship. All these efforts have borne fruit, as in recent years, local conservation efforts have led to a small but encouraging rise in the numbers of the Indus River Dolphin.