Characteristics Of The Ganges River Dolphin
Here is a table for the Species Characteristics of the Ganges River Dolphin:
Characteristics |
Description |
---|---|
Scientific Name |
Platanista gangetica gangetica |
Common Name |
Ganges River Dolphin, Susu |
Type |
Mammal, Cetacean (dolphin) |
Habitat |
Freshwater rivers, primarily the Ganges, Brahmaputra, Meghna, Karnaphuli, and Sangu river systems in India, Nepal, Bangladesh |
Diet |
Primarily fish, also crustaceans and shrimp |
Length |
Males: Up to 2.12 meters (7 feet) Females: Up to 2.67 meters (8.9 feet) |
Weight |
150-170 kg (330-374 lbs) |
Lifespan |
Up to 30 years |
Appearance |
Stocky body, long and slender snout, rounded belly, large flippers, triangular dorsal fin, smooth and hairless skin (gray-brown in adults, chocolate brown in calves) |
Behaviour |
Solitary or in small groups, primarily nocturnal, echolocation for navigation and hunting, surface every 30-120 seconds to breathe |
Conservation Status |
Endangered (IUCN) |
Threats |
Habitat Loss and Degradation, Pollution, Fishing Gear Entanglement, Boat Strikes |
Check-out: Conservation of Forest and Wildlife in India
National Aquatic Animal of India | Ganges River Dolphin
The National Aquatic Animal of India is the Ganges River Dolphin. As per Indian Mythology, the Dolphin is considered the Vehicle of Goddess Ganga. It is found only in freshwater. Not only is it, one of the most intelligent species, but it is also at the Top of the Aquatic Food Chain. The Ganges River Dolphin is one of the National Symbols of India. They reside in the Ganga, Brahmaputra, Meghna & Karnaphuli – Sangu river systems of Nepal, India & Bangladesh. As its name goes, the Ganges Dolphin is endemic to the River Ganga.
Table of Content
- What Is An Aquatic Animal?
- Ganges River Dolphin
- National Aquatic Animal Of India
- Facts About India’s National Aquatic Animal
- Features Of The National Aquatic Animal Of India
- Characteristics Of The Ganges River Dolphin
- Threats To The National Aquatic Animal Of India
- Conservation Of The National Aquatic Animals of India
- Role Of The National Aquatic Animal Of India
- Historical Significance
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