Indus and Ganges River Dolphins Detected to be 2 different species

Indus and Ganges River Dolphins were Detected to be 2 different species

According to an analysis of the Indus and Ganges River dolphins, it was found they are not one but two separate different species.

What is the current classification?

Currently, Indus and Ganges River dolphins are classified as two subspecies of South Asian river dolphins(Platanista gangetica).

What has the analysis revealed?

The researchers examined the DNA samples of the Indus and Gangetic River Dolphins.
They found out that the Indus and Ganges river dolphins have clear genetic differences.
Also, there is a difference in the number of teeth, colouration, growth patterns, and skull shapes.
Hence, they concluded that the Indus River dolphin and the Ganges river dolphin are two separate different species.

About Gangetic River Dolphin:

The Gangetic River Dolphin is primarily found in the Ganges and Brahmaputra Rivers and their tributaries in India, Bangladesh, and Nepal.
Habitat: They prefer deep waters in and around the confluence of rivers. They also act as an indicator of the health of the freshwater ecosystem as they can only live in freshwater.
Population: The population of the Ganges river dolphins is declining. As per estimates, several thousand individuals spread across river systems in Bangladesh, India, and Nepal.
Conservation Status:
- IUCN Status: Endangered
- CITES: Appendix I (It means we cannot transfer any tissue or sample to foreign countries without getting CITES permission from the Competent Authority of Government of India)
- Wildlife (Protection), Act 1972: Schedule 1
Threats:
- Physical barriers such as dams and barrages created across the river have reduced the flow to a great extent making the species endangered.
- The River flow is also declining very fast, Because, the river water is being diverted through the barrages and this has affected the dolphin habitats.
- Mechanized boats are also causing accidental injury to the dolphins.

About Indus River Dolphin:

Indus Water Dolphin is a freshwater Dolphin. They are found in Pakistan and in River Beas, a tributary of the Indus River in Punjab, India.
Population: The population of Indus River dolphins has achieved an impressive recovery over the last 20 years. Their numbers went up from approximately 1,200 in 2001 to almost 2,000 in 2017.
State Animal: Indus River Dolphin is the state aquatic animal of Punjab.
IUCN Status: Endangered

Source: TH

Join Our Telegram

Voice clone-AI

Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana

06 Feb, 24
SHARE

Recently, Prime Minister announced Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana under which 1 crore households will get rooftop solar power systems. India’s Status of Current Solar Capacity India currently stands at 4th place globally in solar power capacity. As per Ministry of New an

Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA)- NGO

06 Feb, 24
SHARE

The Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, 2010 (FCRA) registration of two prominent non-governmental organisations (NGOs) — Centre for Policy Research (CPR) and World Vision India (WVI) have been cancelled this month. What is FCRA? Key provisions of FCRA, 2010 Key aspects Description

Voice clone-AI

06 Feb, 24
SHARE

Voice clone fraud has been on the rise in India. AI voice cloning – It is the process of creating a synthetic replica of a person’s voice through machine learning and speech synthesis technology.It is called as voice deepfakesor audio deepfakes. Objective – To achieve a high level of na

Science communication- how to promote

06 Feb, 24
SHARE

Steps taken by India to promote Science Communication Publications and Information Directorate (PID) - An organisation under Council of Science and Industrial Research (CSIR) established in 1951 for publishing and disseminating scientific information in India. National science magazines- The PI

Universal Basic Income (UBI)- Analysis

05 Feb, 24
SHARE

Universal Basic Income (UBI) can strengthen welfare architecture and unlock the nation’s latent demographic potential. UBI - It is an income support mechanism typically intended to reach all or a very large portion of the population regardless of their earnings or employment status. Objective- To provide enough to co