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Project Dolphin
Why is it in News?
- Prime Minster announced Project Dolphin on Independence Day.
Details:
- Project Dolphin will be on the lines of Project Tiger to increase the population.
- National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) so far taking measures to save dolphins.
- Gangetic dolphin:
(1) The Gangetic dolphin is one of five species of river dolphin found around the world.
(2) It is found mainly in the Indian subcontinent, particularly in Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu river systems.
(3) Male dolphins are about 2-2.2 metres long and females are little longer at 2.4-2.6 m.
(4) An adult dolphin could weigh between 70 kg and 90 kg.
(5) The breeding season of the Gangetic dolphin extends from January to June.
(6) They feed on several species of fishes, invertebrates etc.
(7) It is ‘endangered’ under IUCN red list.
(8) While no exact count is available, various estimates suggest that the Gangetic dolphin population in India could be about 2,500-3,000.
- Why Dolphins?
(1) Aquatic life is an indicator of the health of river ecosystems.
(2) The Gangetic dolphin is at the top of the food chain.
(3) So, protecting the species and its habitat will ensure conservation of aquatic lives of the river.