Phylum
Chordata
Family
Platanistidae
Class
Mammalia
Genus
Platanista
Order
Cetacea
Conservation Status
Endangered
Size
2-2.6 meters long, 70-90 kg
Coloration
Grey to brownish, long snout
Adaptations
Blind, uses echolocation, long snout for prey
Habitat
Freshwater rivers, estuaries
Diet
Carnivorous
Fish, crustaceans
Geographic Range
Ganges, Brahmaputra, and tributaries
Reproduction
Gestation 9-11 months, one calf every 2-3 years
Threats
Pollution, dams, fishing nets
Interesting Facts
Echo Navigators: Blind dolphins use echolocation detecting fish 30 meters away in Ganges' murky waters with 2000 left. Their 2-meter bodies are India's national aquatic animal.
River Guardians: Revered in Bihar's folklore their 50 kg bodies dive 3 minutes catching 1 kg of fish daily. Pollution threatens their 3000 km river range prompting sanctuary protections.
Best Places to Sight
Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary in Bihar Ganges River hosts dolphin sightings
Chambal River in Uttar Pradesh clear waters offer dolphin sightings
Sundarbans National Park in West Bengal delta region has dolphin sightings