Indus river dolphin

A-Platanista-gangetica-showing-the-body-shape-and-especially-the-head-with-a-long-beak

Indus river dolphin

Species	P. minor

The Indus river dolphin (Platanista minor) is a species of freshwater dolphin found in the Indus River in Pakistan. It is one of the rarest mammals in the world and is classified as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Description

The Indus river dolphin is characterized by its long, slender beak and rounded forehead. It has poor eyesight due to living in murky waters, so it relies on echolocation to navigate and hunt for food. This species is known for its unique pinkish coloration, which fades as the dolphin ages.

Habitat

Indus river dolphins are exclusively found in the lower reaches of the Indus River and its tributaries. They prefer deep river channels with slow-moving or still waters. Due to habitat loss and degradation, their range has significantly decreased over the years.

Behavior

These dolphins are known for their acrobatic displays, often leaping out of the water. They are primarily carnivorous, feeding on a variety of fish species found in the Indus River. Indus river dolphins are also known to be social animals, often forming small groups or pods.

Conservation

The Indus river dolphin faces numerous threats, including habitat destruction, pollution, and accidental entanglement in fishing nets. Conservation efforts are underway to protect this species, including the establishment of protected areas and the implementation of conservation programs.