The Ganges River Dolphin holds the prestigious title of being the ‘National Aquatic Animal’ of India. Just like the Bengal Tiger, which is India’s ‘National Animal,’ the Ganges River Dolphin is recognized for its cultural and historical significance, symbolic representation, ecological importance, and being an indigenous species. In fact, India has designated five animals as official national symbols, including the Indian Elephant (‘National Heritage Animal’), the King Cobra (‘National Reptile’), and the Indian Peafowl (‘National Bird’). These animals collectively represent the rich biodiversity of India.

The Indian Ministry of Environment and Forests declared the Ganges River Dolphin as the ‘National Aquatic Animal’ during 2009-10. This recognition has led to the establishment of rules, guidelines, and river sanctuaries by the governments of India, Bangladesh, and Nepal to protect this rare mammal. It has also prompted efforts to clean up major rivers in these countries. Notably, in 2013, the Indian Government granted the Ganges River Dolphin the legal status of a ‘nonhuman person,’ making it illegal to keep them in captivity.

Here are some intriguing facts about India’s ‘National Aquatic Animal’:

The Ganges River Dolphin is found in the eastern river systems of the Indian Subcontinent, including the Ganges, Brahmaputra, Meghna, Karnaphuli, Sangu, Sapta Koshi, and Karnali rivers, spanning across India, Bangladesh, and Nepal. Unfortunately, the population of these dolphins is critically endangered, with estimates suggesting there are fewer than 3,500 individuals, and some sources indicating as few as 2,000 remaining.

This dolphin species is closely related to the Indus River Dolphin, which inhabits the western river systems of the Indian Subcontinent across India and Pakistan. The Indus River Dolphin is even rarer and typically smaller than its Ganges counterpart. Studies suggest that the two species diverged from a common ancestor approximately 550,000 years ago.

Ganges River Dolphins display various color schemes, including light blue, chocolate brown, dark grey, or tan. Interestingly, females are larger than males, a trend uncommon among placental mammals.

Due to the muddy nature of the river systems they inhabit, the Ganges River Dolphins have limited visibility underwater. Consequently, they heavily rely on echolocation to navigate and hunt. Their diet includes prawns, carp, birds, turtles, and even the Ganges Shark.

Adult females can reach lengths of 7.5–8.5 feet and weigh between 150 and 170 kg, while males are slightly smaller, measuring 6.5–7.5 feet in length. These dolphins have a lifespan of up to 30 years in the wild.

Interestingly, some visual depictions of the mythical creature known as the Makara, associated with Hindu deities like Ganga, Narmada, and Varuna, are believed to resemble the Ganges River Dolphin instead of the more commonly portrayed Mugger Crocodile or Gharial.

The recognition of the Ganges River Dolphin as India’s ‘National Aquatic Animal’ highlights the importance of conserving this species and its habitat. Efforts are being made to protect these dolphins and restore the health of the rivers they call home.