Blind Indus Dolphin: Its Risk towards Extinction and Protective Measures

The Indus River dolphin, sometimes known as the blind is a freshwater cetacean that exclusively found in Pakistan's River. IUCN Red List of vulnerable species lists dolphin endangered due to an 80% drop its distribution range and habitat has been badly disrupted by dams degraded water diversions. member one oldest families cetaceans, which separated about 29 million years ago, or roughly 22 before emergence contemporary dolphins. Its eyes are little vision weak. Typically, indus dolphins observed either singly small groups two three They can occasionally be bigger 20 30 people. On mainstem, there still five subpopulations dolphins, each divided irrigation barrages. In Bear River, India, tiny, isolated colony 18 35 barrages capture flowing redirect it into vast network canals emerge from barrage meet demand for agriculture. Dolphins frequently travel using flow regulator gates adjusted throughout year. become stuck after shut down maintenance because unexpected deficit. Since 1992, Sindh Wildlife Department WWF-Pakistan have collaborated on rescue initiative carefully remove any stranded return them main river channel. Between 1992 2017, 147 were reported caught canals. Of those, 130 successfully recovered released back river, while perished process. Because they could not saved. However, regarding post-release survival rate people rescued. A monitoring also established conjunction with pertinent stakeholders neighborhood keep eye well nearby tributaries search may there. One risks intensive fishing, raises risk entanglement fishing nets and, ultimately, their mortality, especially when near After devastating flood 2010, was noticeable rise illegal between Guddu Sukkur addition, altered system province significantly increased number licenses granted exacerbated negative effects dolphin. 2011, dolphin's death peaked 45 being dead, majority at busiest. time, frequencies fatalities decreased, but entirely under control. Especially Dolphin Game reserve Barrages, saving crucial maintaining this population during low season. Standard procedures tools, such soundproof truck, required operations