National Aquatic Animal of India | Ganges River Dolphin

The National Aquatic Animal of India is the Ganges River Dolphin. As per Indian Mythology, the Dolphin is considered the Vehicle of Goddess Ganga. It is found only in freshwater. Not only is it, one of the most intelligent species, but it is also at the Top of the Aquatic Food Chain. The Ganges River Dolphin is one of the National Symbols of India. They reside in the Ganga, Brahmaputra, Meghna & Karnaphuli – Sangu river systems of Nepal, India & Bangladesh. As its name goes, the Ganges Dolphin is endemic to the River Ganga.

National Aquatic Animal of India

What Is An Aquatic Animal?

Aquatic Animals are animals that live & can survive only in or around water & not land. those that live in or around water. They are fully dependent on water for nutrition. These animals use water which contains dissolved oxygen in their respiration process.

Characteristics of Aquatic Animals

• Majority of the aquatic species live in water, but are some are known to live on land as well.
• Their paired and unpaired fins help them swim. 
• Have either webbed limbs or limbs that transform into paddles for swimming
• Light and spongy bones
• Streamlined body structure
• By modifying the skull, a thin snout is formed.
• Slimmer neck
• The external ears have vanished.

Examples of Aquatic Species: Dinoflagellates, diatoms, brown algae, red algae, green algae, and seaweed.

Examples of Aquatic Animals: Fish, lobsters, dolphins, jellyfish, sharks, sea turtles, starfish, crabs, octopus, whales, seahorses, squid, swordfish, shrimp, killer whales, manta rays, otters, and oysters.

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Ganges River Dolphin

The Ganges River Dolphin, also known as Platanista gangetica, is a special mammal found in the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna river system in South Asia. It has a unique look with a streamlined body, a long snout, and distinct blind eyes, using echolocation to navigate in muddy waters. This dolphin holds cultural significance in Hindu beliefs and stories. Unfortunately, it’s facing threats like habitat damage and pollution, making it an endangered species.

National Aquatic Animal Of India

It was in 1801, when the Ganges river dolphin (Platanista Gangetica) was officially found. Mainly inhabitants of the Ganga, Brahmaputra, Meghna & Karnaphuli- Sangu river systems in Nepal, India & Bangladesh. The Ganges River Dolphin, also known as the “Tiger of the Ganges” and are aboriginal to River Ganga.

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Facts About India’s National Aquatic Animal

India’s National Aquatic Animal	Ganges River Dolphin
Scientific Name	Platanista Gangetica
Officially discovered in	1801
Sub-species of	South Asian River Dolphin, along with Indus River Dolphin
Habitants of	Ganga, Brahmaputra, Meghna & Karnaphuli- Sangu river systems
Found in Countries	Nepal, India & Bangladesh
In India, found in	Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, Jharkhand & West Bengal
Also known as	“Tiger of the Ganges”
Declared as National Aquatic Animal	2009
Resides in	Freshwater only
Level at aquatic food chain	Top of the aquatic food chain
Official animal of	Guwahati
Other names	Susu, Shushak, Side Swimming Dolphin & Blind Dolphin. It is called Blind Dolphin as its eyes doesn’t have lens. It is also called Susu, because of the sound it makes in the forms of whistles . Locals of Bihar called Gangetic Dolphin as ‘Soons’.

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Features Of The National Aquatic Animal Of India

The Ganges River Dolphin is a freshwater species. It is one of the few river dolphins which are present in the world. As the name goes, the Ganges Dolphin are aboriginal to River Ganga. Given below are some features about the Ganges River Dolphin.

• Long thin snout
• A rounded belly
• Stocky body
• Large flippers
• Highly advanced bio-sonar system, due to which they are able to hunt for fish even in murky waters.
• Makes ultrasonic sounds while hunting
• ‘Echolocation’ way is used by them in order to trap their prey.
• It can’t breathe in water, because it is a mammal.
• Every 30-40 seconds, in order to breathe, it surfaces above the water.
• Prefers living in pools which are deep, eddy counter-currents located downstream where rivers converge, sharp meanders, upstream & downstream of mid-channel islands

Check-out: Wildlife in India

Characteristics Of The Ganges River Dolphin

Here is a table for the Species Characteristics of the Ganges River Dolphin:

Characteristics	Description
Scientific Name	Platanista gangetica gangetica
Common Name	Ganges River Dolphin, Susu
Type	Mammal, Cetacean (dolphin)
Habitat	Freshwater rivers, primarily the Ganges, Brahmaputra, Meghna, Karnaphuli, and Sangu river systems in India, Nepal, Bangladesh
Diet	Primarily fish, also crustaceans and shrimp
Length	Males: Up to 2.12 meters (7 feet) Females: Up to 2.67 meters (8.9 feet)
Weight	150-170 kg (330-374 lbs)
Lifespan	Up to 30 years
Appearance	Stocky body, long and slender snout, rounded belly, large flippers, triangular dorsal fin, smooth and hairless skin (gray-brown in adults, chocolate brown in calves)
Behaviour	Solitary or in small groups, primarily nocturnal, echolocation for navigation and hunting, surface every 30-120 seconds to breathe
Conservation Status	Endangered (IUCN)
Threats	Habitat Loss and Degradation, Pollution, Fishing Gear Entanglement, Boat Strikes

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Threats To The National Aquatic Animal Of India

Major sources of threat that the Gangetic dolphin faces are:

(a) Conflict between Humans & Dolphin

• Humans tend to poach & kill the Gangetic Dolphin on purpose for procuring their oil & meat that they use as a liniment, aphrodisiac & bait for catfish.
• Several fishing communities reside in the riverine areas, which attracts dolphins & fishermen. To reduce competition, Often, it is seen as to how the fishermen kill the dolphins, in order to reduce competition. This severely affects the population of the river dolphin.
• Many a times, it is also seen that the Gangetic Dolphins are killed by accident. What actually happens is that since they prefer to live in the same areas which are primary fishing grounds, they end up getting trapped in fishing gears & nets laid out by fishermen.

(b) Habitat Degradation

• When dams are constructed & barrages are built for irrigation & generating hydroelectric power; it is seen how this prevents river dolphins from migrating into other places which fragments their population. This in turn, lowers their the gene & eventually leads to a loss of genetic diversity.
• Water is drawn out from the river, excessively for irrigation which decreases the water levels in which the river dolphins’ reside. Hence, threatening their habitat in the Ganges.
• The Ganges & Brahmaputra regions, in the recent years witnesses a lot of heavy river traffic. This leads to noise pollution, restricts the Ganges dolphin’s habitat. As this eventually, depletes their prey base; the Gangetic river dolphins change their feeding behaviour.
• The river bed rises due to increased sedimentation caused by the loss of vegetation cover in the catchment area & floodplains. Due to this, the river biota, such as fish is reduced on which river dolphins’ prey.

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Conservation Of The National Aquatic Animals of India

1. As a measure to save the Ganges River Dolphin which was once on the verge of extinction. In 2009, in the National Ganga River Basin Authority’s (NGRBA) first meeting; the Gangetic River Dolphin was declared as the National Aquatic Animal of India. This was done to put emphasis on the species protection. The Ganges Dolphin is seen as a reflection of the health of the Ganga River.
2. On the lines of Project Tiger, in 2021 Project Dolphin was launched to protect the dolphin species.
3. Recently, in October 2023, the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath, declared Gangetic dolphin as Uttar Pradesh’s state aquatic animal.
4. Vikramshila Sanctuary made in 1991, in Bihar Bhagalpur district is the only dolphin sanctuary in India.
5. Another sanctuary proposed to be made in Uttar Pradesh for dolphins is the Hastinapur Sanctuary.
6. The trade of the Ganges Dolphin is prohibited.
7. In October 2019, WWF-India collaborated with the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department & started the Annual Gangetic River Dolphin Survey. The Dolphin Conservation Programme was started by the World Wide Fund for Nature – WWF-India to conserve the Ganges river dolphins’ habitats. In India, the WWF-India has picked certain stretches like:

• Upper Ganga River (Brijghat to Narora) in Uttar Pradesh (Proposed Ramsar Site)
• Chambal River (up to 10 km downstream of Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary) in Madhya Pradesh & Uttar Pradesh
• Ghagra & Gandak River, in Uttar Pradesh & Bihar
• Ganga River, from Varanasi to Patna in Uttar Pradesh & Bihar respectively
• Son & Kosi River in Bihar
• Brahmaputra River from Sadia (foothills of Arunachal Pradesh) up to the Dhubri (Bangladesh Border)
• Kulsi River a tributary of Brahmaputra
• 8. On 5th October, the National Ganga River Dolphin Day is celebrated by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG).

Conservation Status

The Gangetic Dolphin is one of the four freshwater dolphins in the world & is endemic to the Indian subcontinent.

• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List – Endangered Species
• Mentioned in the CITES – Appendix 1 – Most Endangered
• Included in the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 – Schedule I – “Highly endangered species”
• Hunting & trade of the Gangetic Dolphin is prohibited throughout India, except when it is a threat to human life.
• Convention on Migratory Species (CMS): Appendix II (migratory species that need conservation and management or would significantly benefit from international co-operation).

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Role Of The National Aquatic Animal Of India

The Ganges River Dolphin is crucial for keeping the balance and health of the water environments it lives in. Its important for:

Maintaining Ecosystem Balance:

As apex predators, Ganges River Dolphins primarily feed on fish, crustaceans, and shrimp. They help control the populations of these prey species, preventing any one group from becoming dominant and disrupting the food chain. This predation keeps the ecosystem balanced and diverse. Occasionally, Ganges River Dolphins also act as scavengers, consuming dead fish and other aquatic animals. This helps to remove organic matter from the ecosystem, contributing to its overall health and nutrient cycling.

Indicator of Ecosystem Health:

Ganges River Dolphins are highly sensitive to changes in their environment, particularly water quality and pollution levels. Their presence and health serve as a valuable indicator of the overall health of the river ecosystem. Declines in dolphin populations or changes in their behavior can be an early warning sign of environmental issues, allowing for timely intervention and conservation efforts.

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Historical Significance

The Ganges River Dolphin, fondly called ‘Susu’, has been deeply intertwined with the history and culture of the Indian subcontinent for centuries. Here’s a glimpse into its significance:

• Hindu Mythology: The dolphin is associated with Ganges, the holy river in Hinduism. Legend says the goddess Ganga descended from Lord Shiva’s locks, bringing dolphins and other creatures with her. They are considered sacred entities and often depicted in mythology and art.
• Folktales: Dolphins are popular figures in folktales across India, Bangladesh, and Nepal. They are often portrayed as benevolent creatures with magical powers, protectors of humans, or guides for souls traveling to the afterlife.
• Historical References: Dolphins have been mentioned in ancient Indian texts like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, suggesting their cultural significance for millennia. Also, Mughal emperors like Akbar are known to have admired dolphins and even protected them.

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Conclusion

In Conclusion, the Ganges River Dolphin, India’s National Aquatic Animal, is important for both cultural and ecological reasons. Found in the sacred Ganges River, this species, scientifically known as Platanista Gangetica, faces threats from habitat degradation and pollution, highlighting broader conservation challenges. An inhabitant of the Ganges, Brahmaputra & Meghna River systems, the Gangetic Dolphin can be found in the bottom of the Himalayas as well as the tidal zone of India, Bangladesh, Nepal & Bhutan. Mainly in the Karnaphuli-Sangu river system of Nepal, India & Bangladesh. It only inhabits freshwater environments. The Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act (1972) lists them as “Highly Endangered”. The Gangetic Dolphins’ population gets affected due to rivers being toxic, water development projects & being killed for their oil & meat & accidental killing.

Related Resources:

• List of National Symbols of India with Names
• National Language of India
• National Emblem of India – History & Important Facts
• National Languages of India 2024

National Aquatic Animal of India – FAQs

Which Dolphin Is Found In Ganga River?

The Ganges River Dolphin, also known as the Ganga River Dolphin or Susu, is found in the Ganga (Ganges) river.

Why Is The River Dolphin Our National Symbol?

The Ganges River Dolphin is not the national symbol of India. The national aquatic animal of India is the Gangetic Dolphin. It was chosen due to its significance in the Ganges River, representing the rich biodiversity of the river.

What Is Special About The Ganges River Dolphin?

The Ganga River Dolphin is unique for its freshwater habitat and is known for its long, pointed snout and a stocky body. It plays a significant role in the mythology and culture of the region.

What Is India’s National Animal?

The Bengal Tiger is the national animal of India.

Why Is The Dolphin So Famous?

Dolphins, in general, are famous for their intelligence, social behavior, and playful nature. The Ganges River Dolphin, being an iconic species in the Ganges River, is culturally and ecologically significant.

Are There Still Dolphins In Ganga?

Yes, there are still Ganges River Dolphins in the Ganga River, but their population is under threat, and conservation efforts are crucial to their survival.