Why was the Ganges River Dolphin in news?
-
It was included in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
-
Because only 5 dolphines were left in the Ganges.
-
It was declared national aquatic animal of India.
-
It has been declared as extinct by Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF).
-
It was spotted for the first time in many decades
The Ganges River Dolphin was formally notified as the National Aquatic Animal by the Ministry of Environment and Forests on May 18, 2010. It is estimated that no more than 2,000 of these dolphins exist today. Distinguished by a thin long snout and large flippers, Ganges River dolphins are also referred to as blind dolphins as their eyes lack a lens. They have been listed as 'highly endangered' in Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act (1972).