Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Artiodactyla
- Family
- Platanistidae
- Genus
- Platanista
- Species
- Platanista gangetica
Habitat
This species inhabits the freshwater rivers of the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna system in India, Bangladesh, and Nepal. It prefers deep, fast-flowing waters with murky conditions, often found in channels and tributaries rather than shallow areas.
Diet
The Ganges river dolphin primarily feeds on fish such as catfish, carp, and other bottom-dwelling species. It uses echolocation to hunt in turbid waters, typically foraging alone or in small groups during dawn and dusk.
Behavior
Ganges river dolphins are usually solitary or found in small groups of up to six individuals, often traveling in pairs. They are most active at dawn and dusk, using echolocation for navigation and hunting in murky waters, and they surface to breathe every 30-50 seconds. These dolphins exhibit territorial behavior in prime feeding areas but are generally non-aggressive.
Conservation Status
The IUCN classifies the Ganges river dolphin as Endangered, with populations declining due to habitat loss from dams, pollution, and accidental capture in fishing nets. Major threats include river fragmentation and chemical contamination, which have led to a significant reduction in numbers over the past decades.