In a first, Ganges river dolphin tagged in Assam

Guwahati: The first-ever tagging of Ganges river dolphin was done on Wednesday in Assam, which is one of the strongholds of the national aquatic animal.

Union environment, forest and climate change minister Bhupender Yadav, announcing this on X, said this is "a historic milestone for the species and India!"

"This MoEFCC and National CAMPA-funded project, led by the Wildlife Institute of India (@wii_india) in collaboration with Assam Forest Dept and Aaranyak, will deepen our understanding of conserving our National Aquatic Animal," Yadav added.

The dolphin was captured near Badlapathar stretch of Kulsi river of Kamrup district.

WII stated on X, "The Ganges River dolphins are Endangered species and #ProjectDolphin aims to conserve the species through scientifically robust methods. The tagging was carried out in Assam of a healthy male dolphin, by the team led by Dr. Vishnupriya Kolipakam @V_kolipakam , under the veterinary care of Dr Sanath Muliya (@muliya_sanath) , Dr Lallianpuii Kawlni (@lalanikawlni) and Dr Deboabrata Phukon (@debabrataphuko1)."

According to various surveys, the Brahmaputra river system, particularly its tributaries Kulsi and Subansiri, is one of the major population strongholds of the Ganges river dolphin.

A dolphin study report by Assam Inland Water Transport in 2019 says during monsoon season, 57 dolphins were sighted at different locations while in the dry season, 36 were sighted.

The report pointed out that the "Country's national aquatic animal, the Ganges river dolphin prosper in this mighty river's riverine aquatic ecosystem. This species is already threatened by population reductions. In many areas, their populations have been locally extirpated or persist only in very small numbers. Any kind of industrial/transport activity in the river will degrade the habitat and further fragment the populations of Ganges river dolphins."