National Aquatic Animal of India: Ganges River Dolphin

The national aquatic animal of India is the Ganges River Dolphin, which is also known as the Susu or the Bhulan. It holds great cultural and ecological significance in the country. The Ganges River Dolphin is found in the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu river systems of India and Bangladesh.

Importance and Significance:

1. Cultural Significance:
The Ganges River Dolphin is highly revered in Indian mythology and is considered the reincarnation of the Hindu goddess Ganga. It is often associated with purity, grace, and the divine. The presence of these dolphins in the rivers is believed to bring good luck and prosperity.

2. Ecological Importance:
The Ganges River Dolphin is an indicator species, which means its presence or absence indicates the overall health of the river ecosystem. Being at the top of the food chain, they help maintain the balance of the ecosystem by regulating the population of their prey species. Their presence also indicates the presence of clean and unpolluted water.

Threats and Conservation:

1. Habitat Loss:
One of the major threats to the Ganges River Dolphin is the loss of its habitat due to human activities such as dam construction, water pollution, and river channelization. These activities disrupt the natural flow of the rivers and degrade the water quality, making it unsuitable for the dolphins.

2. Poaching and Entanglement:
Illegal poaching for their meat, oil, and body parts poses a significant threat to the Ganges River Dolphin. They are also often accidentally caught in fishing nets, leading to entanglement and drowning.

3. Conservation Efforts:
To protect and conserve the Ganges River Dolphin, various initiatives have been taken by the Indian government and environmental organizations. These include the establishment of protected areas, conservation awareness programs, and the implementation of laws and regulations to prevent hunting and habitat destruction.

Conclusion:

The Ganges River Dolphin holds immense cultural and ecological significance in India. It serves as a symbol of the country's rich biodiversity and the need for conservation efforts to protect its habitat. By recognizing it as the national aquatic animal, India aims to raise awareness about the importance of preserving its rivers and the diverse species that inhabit them.