Ecology
The Indus River Dolphin survives in a habitat that is comproside of a fresh water river system in Pakistan. It survives
by feeding on catfish, carp, and crustaceans, like prawns. This dolphin lacks a crystalline eye lens which almost makes it
blind. It still hunts by swimming on its side and rubbing its fin and snout along the bottom of the river. Since it lacks
sight, it locates its prey through echolocation. The only natural predators to the dolphins are humans. During the 1930's,
the construction of barrages and dams began to cut off and seperate the dolphins. The construction has impeded with its normal
routine of traveling upriver during monsoon season and back downriver during the dry season. Other human disruption includes
irrigation and water pollution and these havve threatened the population size and the overall genetic makeup of the remaining
dolphins.
Distribution
The Indus River Dolphin is found in the Indus River system in Oakistan. The dolphin occupies the same area but the size
of the range has decreased by five times of what it once was.
Population Status
The overall historical population is not known. It was said that these dolphins used to travel in groups when populations
were larger but now are often seen alone. The current status of the pupulation is varied; some saying no more than a couple
undred, but a study done by the World Wildlife Federation state that in 2001Pakistan reported 1,100 individuals alive.
Endangered Status
The Indus River Dolphin is considered an endangered species and is listed as internationally endangered by the IUCN.
It is also recognized by the Pakistani government as a protected species and is considered highly endangered amongst mammals.
Reasons for Decline
The main reason for the decline of this species is human interaction. In the 1930's a series of dams and barrages were
built which isolated parts of the river. This created separated individuals and disrupted hunting and migration patterns.
Some other human impact is pollution, irrigation, and fishing nets. These dolphins are also hunted for their oil and meat
which is considered an aphrodisian and used for fish bait.
Protection Measurements
Pakistan has recognized the dolphin as endangered and has created the Adventure Foundation Pakistan (AFP). This
program designed an ecotourism project that receives financial help from small environmental groups to train locals how to
run a boat tour. Tourists can take a four day safari down the river to watch their normal behaviors. The hope
for this project is to bring tourism and travelers into the area. This may bring a source of income to the native population
and they thenn make a commitment to protect the dolphins. This plan has seemed to work; it has boosted local economies
and allowed people to purchase basic needs that were scarce before. The only real downfall is the slight destructive
influence that all of the new people in the area brings.
Prognosis for Recovery
This species is capable of long term recovery if certain conservation practices are implemented soon. What seems
to be the best hope for the Indus River Dolphin is the love and care from the population of people that live around the river.
If these people learn to respect and live with the dolphins and help them they stand a good chance of survival.
