KARACHI—The River Indus dolphin is an endangered species, found only in its namesake waterway, with an estimated population of only 1,300. According to Sindh province wildlife experts, a decrease in the river’s water level is perhaps the most critical of all the threats facing this species.
"Construction of dams and barrages, intensive agricultural practices, poor water management, municipal sewage, unsustainable fishing practices and mortalities in the fishing gear have all had adverse affects on the habitat of the River Indus dolphin", said wildlife agency coordinator Hussein Bux on June 10.
The River Indus is the only place that harbours this rare species of nearly blind dolphin, which lacks eye lenses and has pupils no bigger than a pinhole. They rely almost entirely on echo-location to forage for food and navigate in the murky river waters, said Hussein. The Indus has a long beak, a small low hump, wide flippers and an adult can weigh 70- 90 kg. They are slow swimmers, but can move in rapid spurts.
"Construction of dams and barrages, intensive agricultural practices, poor water management, municipal sewage, unsustainable fishing practices and mortalities in the fishing gear have all had adverse affects on the habitat of the River Indus dolphin", said wildlife agency coordinator Hussein Bux on June 10.
The River Indus is the only place that harbours this rare species of nearly blind dolphin, which lacks eye lenses and has pupils no bigger than a pinhole. They rely almost entirely on echo-location to forage for food and navigate in the murky river waters, said Hussein. The Indus has a long beak, a small low hump, wide flippers and an adult can weigh 70- 90 kg. They are slow swimmers, but can move in rapid spurts.
The dolphins are found in a localised 100 mile (161 km) stretch between the Sukkur and Guddu Barrages in the River Indus and are known as “Indus Susu”.
The Pakistan Adventure Foundation (PAF) also launched a project funded in part by the U.N. Development Programme to create awareness about the endangered species through rafting expeditions and visiting programmes.
According to Hussein Bux, the World Wildlife Foundation (WWF) Pakistan has developed a project to conserve the viable population by protecting the innate biodiversity of the lower river Indus basin eco-system and reducing beaching losses through rescue operations. He said the WWF also introduced other major project activities that involve improving agricultural and management practices, and increasing awareness through a conservation centre and eco-tourism.
The Indus dolphin has been a victim of both deliberate and accidental exploitation and is one of the five species of cetaceans threatened with extinction. Pakistan wildlife officials and concerned citizens are calling attention to the need for an immediate, large-scale rescue programme.
The Pakistan Adventure Foundation (PAF) also launched a project funded in part by the U.N. Development Programme to create awareness about the endangered species through rafting expeditions and visiting programmes.
According to Hussein Bux, the World Wildlife Foundation (WWF) Pakistan has developed a project to conserve the viable population by protecting the innate biodiversity of the lower river Indus basin eco-system and reducing beaching losses through rescue operations. He said the WWF also introduced other major project activities that involve improving agricultural and management practices, and increasing awareness through a conservation centre and eco-tourism.
The Indus dolphin has been a victim of both deliberate and accidental exploitation and is one of the five species of cetaceans threatened with extinction. Pakistan wildlife officials and concerned citizens are calling attention to the need for an immediate, large-scale rescue programme.
source: http://www.centralasiaonline.com
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