Image Source: PIB

In a groundbreaking move for wildlife conservation, India has conducted its first-ever satellite tagging of the endangered Ganges River Dolphin, a species that holds the distinction of being the country's National Aquatic Animal. The milestone event, which took place in Assam, marks a significant step in the broader conservation efforts under the government's Project Dolphin initiative.

Collaboration and Innovation Driving Conservation Efforts
The tagging was carried out under the joint leadership of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), with support from the National CAMPA Authority, and implemented by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), in collaboration with the Assam Forest Department and conservation group Aaranyak. The tagged dolphin, a healthy male, was released back into the river after being fitted with a lightweight satellite tag, allowing researchers to track its movements and gather valuable data on its seasonal and migratory patterns.

Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav, celebrated the historic achievement on social media, calling it "a historic milestone for the species and India," further emphasizing its importance in deepening the understanding of the Ganges River Dolphin and its conservation needs.

A New Era for Ganges River Dolphin Conservation
The Ganges River Dolphin, which primarily inhabits the Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli river systems, faces an uncertain future. With an estimated 90% of the species' population residing in India, the dolphins have seen a significant decline in their distribution over the last century. Their elusive nature, with brief surfacing times of only 5-30 seconds, has made it difficult to gather sufficient ecological data needed for effective conservation strategies.

The introduction of satellite tagging technology aims to bridge these knowledge gaps. By monitoring the dolphins' movements and habitat use, scientists hope to develop targeted conservation measures that will not only benefit the species but also protect the vital river ecosystems that sustain millions of people and other wildlife.

Image Source: PIB