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India’s 1st Dolphin Research Centre Opens in Bihar
India’s first National Dolphin Research Centre
The National Dolphin Research Centre (NDRC), India’s newest facility dedicated to the study and conservation of the endangered Gangetic Dolphin, has officially opened its doors in Patna, Bihar. The NDRC is the first of its kind in India and Asia, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to protect and preserve this iconic species.
Establishment and Objectives of National Dolphin Research Centre
The NDRC project received approval in 2013 but faced several delays before finally coming to fruition. The centre, spanning a 4,400 square metre (47,361 square feet) plot on the premises of Patna University near the Ganga River, offers a strategic location for researchers to closely observe dolphins in their natural habitat.
The primary objectives of the NDRC are to provide a platform for comprehensive research on Gangetic Dolphins, focusing on various aspects such as changing behavior, survival skills, food habits, and causes of death. By establishing itself as a centre of excellence, the NDRC aims to contribute significantly to the conservation of this endangered species.
Facilities and Features
The NDRC boasts an impressive array of facilities and features designed to support its research and conservation efforts. The G+2 structure houses various laboratories for research, along with a library, seminar hall, and academic hall. The centre also includes a dry and wet archive, offices for the director and faculty members, and other essential amenities.
Training and Conservation
In addition to its research objectives, the NDRC will play a crucial role in training fishermen on how to conserve and protect dolphins during fishing activities. By raising awareness and promoting sustainable fishing practices, the centre aims to reduce the incidental harm caused to dolphins through entanglement in fishing nets.
Significance and Impact of National Dolphin Research Centre
The inauguration of the NDRC by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on March 4, 2024, marked a significant step forward in the conservation of the Gangetic Dolphin. The Gangetic Dolphin is the national aquatic animal of India and an endangered species according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It has been the focus of various conservation efforts, including the Project Dolphin initiative.
The establishment of the NDRC is expected to strengthen ongoing dolphin conservation efforts by providing a dedicated platform for research and collaboration. By studying the dolphins in their natural habitat and understanding their behavior, food habits, and adaptations, researchers at the NDRC aim to develop effective strategies for their protection and conservation.
Gangetic Dolphin
Protection status of Gangetic Dolphins
| Protection Status | Description |
|---|---|
| IUCN Red List | The Gangetic Dolphin is listed as an endangered species on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. |
| CITES | The species is listed under Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which prohibits international trade in specimens of this species. |
| Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 | In India, the Gangetic Dolphin is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, which provides absolute protection and offenses are prescribed with the highest penalties. |
| India’s National Aquatic Animal | The Gangetic Dolphin was declared as India’s National Aquatic Animal in 2009, highlighting its significance and the need for its conservation. |
| Project Dolphin, India | Project Dolphin is a conservation program launched by the Indian government in 2020 to protect and conserve the Gangetic Dolphin and its habitat. |
Threats and Challenges
The Gangetic Dolphin faces numerous threats, primarily due to human activities and environmental degradation. Habitat fragmentation caused by dams, barrages, diversions, and embankments has led to the isolation of dolphin populations and reduced their connectivity. Additionally, mortality from entanglement in fishing nets, hunting for oil and meat, pollution from various sources, and disturbance from human activities such as boat traffic and dredging pose significant challenges to their survival.
As top predators and indicators of river health, the decline in Gangetic Dolphin populations reflects the overall deterioration of the river ecosystems they inhabit. The NDRC, through its research and conservation efforts, aims to address these threats and develop strategies to mitigate their impact on the dolphin population.
Biology and Ecology
The Gangetic Dolphin, also known as the South Asian River Dolphin or Susu, is a unique and fascinating species. Functionally blind, these dolphins rely heavily on echolocation to navigate and hunt in the murky waters of the Ganges and Brahmaputra river systems. With a long, slender snout and flexible neck, they have adapted to the complex river environment, often found in deeper sections and eddies around islands and river bends.
Gangetic Dolphins are typically solitary animals, but they may gather in small groups at the confluence of tributaries. They feed on a variety of small and medium-sized fish and crustaceans, using echolocation to detect prey at distances of up to 20 meters (65.6 feet).
Conservation Efforts and Project Dolphin
Recognizing the need for urgent action to protect the Gangetic Dolphin, the Indian government has initiated various conservation efforts. Project Dolphin, launched in 2020 on the lines of Project Tiger, aims to save the Gangetic Dolphin through a comprehensive conservation program. The NDRC will play a crucial role in supporting the objectives of Project Dolphin by providing scientific research and expertise.
The Gangetic Dolphin is legally protected in India, Nepal, and Bangladesh, with its status as a Schedule I animal under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. However, effective conservation requires a multi-faceted approach, including habitat protection, reduction of pollution, regulation of fishing practices, and raising awareness among local communities.
Final Thoughts
The establishment of the National Dolphin Research Centre (NDRC) in Patna marks a significant milestone in the conservation of the endangered Gangetic Dolphin. As the first of its kind in India and Asia, the NDRC will serve as a hub for research, training, and conservation efforts, bringing together scientists, researchers, and stakeholders to work towards a common goal.
By studying the dolphins in their natural habitat and understanding their behavior, ecology, and the threats they face, the NDRC aims to develop effective strategies for their protection and conservation. Through collaboration with local communities, government agencies, and conservation organizations, the centre will strive to raise awareness, promote sustainable practices, and mitigate the impact of human activities on the Gangetic Dolphin population.
