Indus River dolphins (Platanista Minor)

Mohamed bin Zayed Species project number 12054765

      

Indus River Dolphins sometimes called “Bhulans” are one of the two South Asian river Dolphins. The other recognizable geographic form or subspecies is Ganges River Dolphins. It is one of the world rarest mammals and second most endangered fresh water river Dolphin. It is struggling for survival in the water of Indus River and it is the fact that if no major efforts have been taken to save these Dolphins,it could be extinct in a couple of years.

Intensive and harmful fishing techniques, hunting and pouching, accidental killing, motor transportation, deforestation, use of chemical and fertilizer are the major threats to Dolphins in Indus River.

 All of above threats can be alleviated by involving local community in conservational efforts. For this purpose we start this project with general aim to increase awareness of Dolphin and River ecosystem conservation among river side communities. We also motivate young student and civil society to play their possible role of protection and conservation of Indus River Dolphins.