NEW DELHI: In a groundbreaking achievement for wildlife conservation the first-ever tagging of a Ganges River Dolphin in Assam marks a historic milestone for both the species and India. This momentous event is part of a project funded by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and the National Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Advisory Council (National CAMPA), and led by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) in collaboration with the Assam Forest Department and Aaranyak.
Union Minister Bhupender Yadav shares the news of the first-ever tagging of the Ganges River Dolphin in Assam. “Happy to share the news of the first-ever tagging of Ganges River Dolphin in Assam—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”, wrote the minister on Twitter.
Happy to share the news of the first-ever tagging of Ganges River Dolphin in Assam—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… pic.twitter.com/2lSUHVltBN
— Bhupender Yadav (@byadavbjp) December 18, 2024
The Ganges River Dolphin is India’s National Aquatic Animal and has long been a symbol of the country’s rich biodiversity. However, the species faces numerous threats including habitat degradation, pollution, and accidental entanglement in fishing gear. The tagging initiative aims to deepen our understanding of the dolphin’s behavior, movement patterns, and habitat use, which is crucial for developing effective conservation strategies.
The project is spearheaded by the Wildlife Institute of India and involves a multi-pronged approach that includes conservation research, technology-aided management support, training and capacity building of implementing agencies, monitoring of population and habitats, stakeholder sensitization, and threat mitigation. The collaboration with the Assam Forest Department and Aaranyak ensures a comprehensive and inclusive effort to protect this endangered species.
The tagging process involves fitting the dolphins with satellite tags that transmit real-time data on their location and movements. This data will provide invaluable insights into the dolphins’ migratory routes, preferred habitats, and potential threats they encounter along the way. By understanding these factors conservationists can design targeted interventions to mitigate risks and enhance the dolphins’ chances of survival.
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The success of this project is a testament to the dedication and hard work of all the organizations involved as well as the support from the MoEFCC and National CAMPA. It also highlights the importance of collaborative efforts in wildlife conservation and the need for continued investment in research and protection measures.
It is crucial to recognize that the journey towards ensuring the survival of the Ganges River Dolphin is far from over. The data collected from this tagging initiative will serve as a foundation for future conservation actions but sustained efforts and resources are needed to secure a brighter future for this iconic species.