The Ganges River Dolphin (also known as the Susu) is the National Aquatic Animal of India.
It is endemic to the river Ganges and is found only in India and neighbouring countries.
Dolphins are mammals in aquatic ecosystems that are endangered due to habitat loss, fishing, pollutants, and hunting for meat and oil.
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The National Aquatic Animal of India
The Ganges River Dolphin (scientific name: Platanista gangetica) is the national aquatic animal of India. This species of dolphin is found in the freshwater rivers of the Indian subcontinent, particularly in the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna river systems. It holds great significance in Indian culture and biodiversity.
Scientific Classification:
Common Name: Ganges River Dolphin
Scientific Name:Platanista gangetica
Family: Platanistidae
Order: Cetacea
Importance in Indian Biodiversity:
The Ganges River Dolphin is an essential part of the ecosystem in the rivers it inhabits. It is a top predator in the aquatic food chain, and its presence reflects the health of the river environment. However, due to habitat loss, pollution, and fishing practices, the population of the Ganges River Dolphin has been declining.
Conservation Status:
The Ganges River Dolphin is listed as an endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to its rapidly shrinking population. It is also protected under Indian wildlife laws, and efforts are being made to conserve its habitat and raise awareness about its ecological importance.
Why the Ganges River Dolphin was Declared as the National Aquatic Animal:
The declaration of the Ganges River Dolphin as the national aquatic animal of India highlights the importance of freshwater ecosystems and the need for conservation efforts in these environments. The dolphin is a symbol of the country's commitment to preserving its aquatic biodiversity.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Ganges River Dolphin (scientific name: Platanista gangetica) is the national aquatic animal of India, and its conservation is crucial for maintaining the health of the rivers and ecosystems it inhabits. Hence, the correct answer is Option A: Ganges River Dolphin.
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The river dolphin (Ganges river dolphin) is India's National Aquatic Animal. The Gangetic Dolphin is found in the river systems of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Indus and is considered an indicator species of the health of these rivers.
The dolphin was declared the National Aquatic Animal to protect it from extinction.
It is considered as one of the most ancient species of aquatic mammals and is known for its intelligence, playfulness, and ability to adapt to various habitats.
They are a unique species with an elongated nose, noticeable teeth, and light grey-brown skin with a shade of pink.
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The Correct Option is A) River dolphin. The Gangetic dolphin was been declared the National Aquatic Animal of India by the Ministry of Environment and Forests on 18th May 2010.
This was done to preserve the species from extinction and to maintain the purity of the holy Ganga river as these dolphins can only survive in pure and freshwater sources.
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Ganges River Dolphin, also known as Platanista Gangetica, was declared as the National Aquatic Animal of India in 2010.
It is also known as the blind river dolphin as it has limited vision and relies on echolocation to navigate and hunt.
The species is listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to habitat degradation, fishing practices, and pollution.
The designation of the Gangetic Dolphin as the National Aquatic Animal of India is aimed at raising awareness about the species and the need for its conservation.
Therefore, the River dolphin is the National Aquatic Animal of India.
The term ‘biodiversity’ is derived from the two words- ‘bios' which means life and ‘diversity’ i.e, differentiation or variation. Edward Wilson, the sociobiologist was the first to popularise the term ‘biodiversity’ in the year 1992. The term implies the occurrence of various plants and animals along with their variants such as biotypes, ecotypes and genes on earth. In our biosphere, the immense diversity or heterogeneity remains not only at the species level but also, at every level of biological organization that ranges from macromolecules in the cells to biomes.
