A Small Expedition To Spot Gangetic Dolphin

Introduction:

The Gangetic Dolphin or South Asian River Dolphin is a freshwater or river dolphin found in India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Pakistan which is split into two subspecies, the Ganges River Dolphin (1,200-1,800 individuals) and the Indus river Dolphin .

Conservation Status: Endangered (IUCN 3.1)

The Ganges River Dolphin or commonly known as Susu, lives in one of the most densely populated regions of the world. One of the main threats to the species is loss of habitat due in large part to the creation of dams and irrigation projects.

The Featured Image is Credited to River Dolphin Trust

 

My Expedition:

On my research and discussions with other wildlife enthusiasts  I found out that the nearest place from Gurugram where I can spot Gangetic Dolphins is Stretch of River Ganga at Mukteshwar popularly known as Garh or Brij Ghat.

Distance between Gurugram and Garh Mukteshwar is approximately 130kms.

Last weekend I drove to Garh Mukteshwar from Gurugram, the journey became a experience in itself as we took a wrong turn around Ghaziabad and left NH-24 and went towards Meerut and criss-crossed  the lanes and by lanes of Meerut town to reach two lane state highway which took us through lust green sugarcane farms. So a journey which ordinarily would have taken 90min from Ghaziabad was completed in 3 hours.

At Brij Ghat Garh Mukteshwar we hired a motor boat and requested the boatman to help us spot Gangetic Dolphins.

We spent more than two hours cruising the river upstream and spotted around 5-6  Dolphins. One of them looked fully matured animal rest seemed to be juvenile. It was experience to be remembered when i saw the National Aquatic Animal jumping out of water to breathe.

I asked the boatman to take us nearer so that I can get good photograph for my records. But he told that because of the noise made by engine of motorboat the Dolphins tend to keep distance from the boat. Before, when non-mechanized boats were there the Dolphins used to come near the boat and were easy to be photographed.

Alas, technology has reduced the chance to easily photograph this majestic water mammal which is also National Aquatic Animal Of India.

But the experience and joy in spotting this beautiful and endangered animal was immense and I am happy to share my experience with all.

Key Facts About Gangetic Dolphin

Common Name: Ganges river dolphin, blind dolphin, Ganges dolphin, Ganges susu, Gangetic dolphin, hihu, side-swimming dolphin, South Asian River Dolphin, Indus River Dolphin ; Plataniste du Gange (Fr); Delfín del Ganges (Sp)

Scientific Name: Platanista gangetica

Status: IUCN: Endangered

Population: 1,200-1,800 individuals

Habitat: Ganga and Brahmaputra river system

Length: About 2,5 m

Skin colour: Greyish brown

 

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