What kind of dolphin is the Ganges river dolphin?

The Ganges river dolphin is a species of river dolphin belonging to the family Platanistidae and the genus Platanista.

They are a freshwater dolphin found only in the rivers of India, Nepal, and Bangladesh. They are characterized by their long beak, small eyes, and brownish body color. In English, they are called the 'Ganges river dolphin.' They are also called 'susu' in the local language. They are a very rare dolphin, and much about their ecology remains a mystery. They have very poor eyesight and rely on echolocation to understand their surroundings and find food. They are usually solitary or travel in small groups of a few to a dozen individuals. They feed on fish and shrimp.

What do Ganges river dolphins eat?

Ganges river dolphins are carnivores and primarily eat fish, such as carp and catfish, and crustaceans like shrimp and crabs.

They use their long beak to probe the muddy river bottom, searching for fish. They also use echolocation to locate prey. By emitting sound waves, they can understand their surroundings and pinpoint the location of their prey. This ability allows them to hunt efficiently, even in murky water.

[Quiz!] Why do Ganges river dolphins have such small eyes?

Ganges river dolphins have very small eyes compared to other dolphins.

This is because they have evolved in the murky waters of the Ganges River, where vision is not very useful. They have adapted to rely on echolocation rather than sight to understand their surroundings and find food. Their eyes can detect light but cannot see the shapes of objects clearly. It's like they are living blindfolded. Despite this, they are able to skillfully navigate the river, catch prey, and raise their young using their echolocation abilities.

[Quiz!] Are Ganges river dolphins endangered?

Yes, the Ganges river dolphin is listed as 'Endangered' (EN) on the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List.

Their numbers are declining in recent years. This decline is mainly due to human activities, such as:

・Water pollution: The water quality of the Ganges River is deteriorating due to industrial wastewater, sewage, and agricultural pesticides.

・Bycatch: They can be accidentally caught in fishing nets.

・Dam construction: Many dams have been built on the Ganges River, fragmenting their habitat.

・Hunting: They are hunted for their meat, oil, and teeth in some areas.

To protect Ganges river dolphins, we need to reduce water pollution, minimize bycatch, regulate dam construction, and ban hunting. It's important for us to learn about the plight of the Ganges river dolphin and think about what we can do to help.