TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT
THE CONTEXT: India marked a significant achievement in wildlife conservation with the inauguration of the National Dolphin Research Centre (NDRC) in Patna on March 4, 2024.
EXPLANATION:
- The project, aimed at studying and conserving the endangered Gangetic River dolphin, had been in the pipeline for a decade, facing multiple delays.
- Bihar Chief Minister officially opened the center, situated strategically near the Ganga River on a 4,400 square meter plot at Patna University.
Objectives and Operations:
- The NDRC’s primary goal is to facilitate comprehensive research on Gangetic dolphins.
- The center aims to delve into various aspects of their lives, including behavior, survival skills, food habits, causes of death, and more.
- The overarching objective is to establish the NDRC as a center of excellence for dolphin research and conservation.
- Operational now, the NDRC will serve as a hub for scientists and researchers dedicated to studying these freshwater mammals.
- A notable aspect of the NDRC’s mission is to provide training to fishermen on effective dolphin conservation practices during fishing activities.
- This hands-on approach aligns with the broader goal of mitigating human-induced threats to the Gangetic river dolphin population.
Project Timeline and Delays:
- The initiative received approval in 2013, and the foundation stone was laid by CM Kumar in 2020.
- However, bureaucratic hurdles and delays in securing necessary approvals resulted in a two-year postponement.
- Despite the challenges, the NDRC is now fully functional, contributing to the collective effort of safeguarding Gangetic dolphins.
Gangetic Dolphin: A National Treasure and Endangered Species:
- The Gangetic River dolphin holds a special place in India as the country’s national aquatic animal.
- It is a Schedule I animal under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and has been classified as an endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
- Once abundant in Bihar, it now faces habitat threats, and the establishment of the NDRC becomes crucial for its survival.
Global Context and Unique Traits of Gangetic Dolphins:
- The Gangetic river dolphin is one of four freshwater dolphin species globally, with the other three found in the Yangtze river in China (now extinct), the Indus River in Pakistan, and the Amazon river in South America.
- These dolphins possess unique characteristics, such as echolocation, enabling them to navigate and locate prey in river waters.
- With approximately half of India’s estimated 3,000 Gangetic dolphins residing in Bihar, the NDRC’s focus on studying their behavior and habitat is of paramount importance.
Habitat Characteristics and Conservation Challenges:
- Gangetic dolphins prefer water that is five to eight feet deep, typically found in turbulent waters rich in fish.
- They thrive in zones with minimal or no current to conserve energy, diving into deeper waters when sensing danger.
- The NDRC’s location near the Ganga provides researchers with an ideal setting to closely observe these dolphins in their natural habitat.
National Dolphin Research Centre (NDRC):
- The National Dolphin Research Centre (NDRC) is India’s first research institute dedicated to the study and conservation of the endangered Gangetic dolphin.
- It is located near the Ganges River in Patna, Bihar, and was inaugurated on March 4, 2024.
- The NDRC is a significant development in the conservation efforts for the Gangetic dolphin, which is listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
- The centre will serve as a hub for scientists and researchers to study various aspects of dolphin behavior, ecology, and the threats they face.