Dolphin types and conservation in India
Q. Which of the following is/are true?
1) Irrawady Dolphins are found in Odisha.
2) National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) has initiated dolphin conservation programme.- Published on 19 Aug 16a. Only 1
b. Only 2
c. Both 1 and 2
d. Neither 1 nor 2
ANSWER: Both 1 and 2
- Dolphins are animals of aquatic ecosystems. They are found in the sea, brackish water and fresh water. A total of 15 species of marine and harbour dolphins have been reported from Indian waters and coasts.
- Besides, the Irrawady Dolphins are found in brackish waters of Odisha. Irrawady is a major river in Myanmar.
- Amongst the fresh water dolphins, the Gangetic Dolphin is found in the Ganges River and its tributaries.
- Apart from this, Indus River Dolphins have also been reported in Indus River in Punjab.
- All fresh water, brackish water and marine Dolphins (Cetaceans) are listed in Schedule-I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, thereby according them the highest degree of protection against hunting.
- National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) has initiated dolphin conservation programme in 2016 to ensure long term survival of dolphin and other river fauna.
