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SPECIES PROFILE

Ganges River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica)

Platanista

IUCN STATUS

Endangered

Ganges River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica) — Ganges, Brahmaputra, and tributaries

CONSERVATION STATUS

Endangered

CLASS

Mammalia

GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE

Ganges, Brahmaputra, and tributaries

DIET

Carnivorous

HABITAT

Freshwater rivers, estuaries

🔬 Classification

PHYLUM

Chordata

CLASS

Mammalia

ORDER

Cetacea

FAMILY

Platanistidae

GENUS

Platanista

📋 Description

SIZE

2-2.6 meters long, 70-90 kg

COLORATION

Grey to brownish, long snout

ADAPTATIONS

Blind, uses echolocation, long snout for prey

🌿 Ecology

HABITAT

Freshwater rivers, estuaries

DIET

Carnivorous

GEOGRAPHIC RANGE

Ganges, Brahmaputra, and tributaries

REPRODUCTION

Gestation 9-11 months, one calf every 2-3 years

DIET DETAILS

Fish, crustaceans

⚠️ Threats & Conservation

PRIMARY THREATS

Pollution, dams, fishing nets

💡 Interesting Facts

1

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.

2

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.

🔭 Sighting Guide

📍 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

🗓️ BEST TIME TO SIGHT

November-March. Dry season reduces river turbidity improving dolphin sightings.

🎯 SIGHTING TIPS

Take boat tours at dawn to spot dolphins surfacing in calm waters.