Bangladesh is home to about 1,352 Ganges river dolphins, locally known as Shushuk, as there are approximately 636 groups or 1,352 Ganges river dolphins found in the country. This was revealed at a report on dolphin survey.
The Wildlife Conservation Society Bangladesh (WCS Bangladesh) carried out the survey and a rigorous literature review on Ganges river dolphins this year.
Between February and March, the WCS Bangladesh carried out a visual boat-based survey of river dolphins in 1,905 km of river segments, including the Meghna and its tributaries, Padma, Jamuna, Karnaphuli and Halda, using the concurrent count of river dolphins by two independent observer teams (one primary and one secondary).
The Ganges river dolphin is a purely freshwater species that was once abundant in the Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu river systems that run between Nepal, India and Bangladesh. However, the dolphin is disappearing from much of its range for several reasons, including the widespread use of gillnets, habitat loss and pollution.
To address the situation, the government has taken initiative to protect native dolphin species, while the survey was also carried out in order to save the Ganges river dolphins.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change; announced the results of the dolphin survey at a special discussion on the occasion of International Freshwater Dolphin Day 2024 held at the Forest Department in Dhaka city on Thursday.
At the event, the Environmental Adviser also officially launched the website for the digitalization of the CITES Certification Process. A dolphin exhibition and documentary were also presented at the event.
The dolphin survey resulted in an estimated 636 groups or 1,352 individuals (CV = 4.6%; 95% CI = 1,229–1,475) of Ganges River Dolphins in these areas.
During the survey, the WCS Bangladesh investigated conservation threats in the surveyed regions, including collecting data on fisheries, vessel trafficking and other developmental activities.
The WCS Bangladesh recorded 15,066 fishing gears from 31 types across the surveyed river segments. The composite fishing gear impact scores were slightly higher in each 5-km hotspot than in 5-km non-hotspot segments (59,631 vs 57,909, respectively).
The organisation also recorded 15,935 vessels from 22 types across the surveyed river segments. The composite vessel impact scores were two-fold higher in each 5-km hotspot than in 5-km non-hotspot segments (383 vs 192, respectively).
The WCS also collected data on channel characteristics, depth, and water quality parameters. After analyzing the data, WCS identified 16 hotspots of Ganges River dolphin abundance using encounter rate, channel characteristics, ad environmental conditions. Seven of the hotspots have been prioritized for community-engaged conservation initiatives under this project.
To date, the WCS Bangladesh conducted a Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) survey on Ganges River dolphins and their conservation needs in five of the seven hotspots and one dolphin sanctuary. During the KAP survey, WCS also identified Dolphin Response Team members who will receive training on the rapid response to safely release and rescue entangled or stranded live dolphins, reporting mortalities, and inspiring community members.
To support community engagement and awareness, WCS developed a collection of educational outreach materials, including stickers, posters, T-shirts, caps, and signboards illustrating key conservation messages. These materials serve not only as informative tools but also as a visual pledge to safeguard the Ganges River dolphin and its habitat.
To celebrate International Freshwater Dolphin Day on October 24, the WCS Bangladesh prepared the survey report to host an educational exhibition on Ganges River dolphins to engage government officials and policymakers.
Speaking at the event of the International Freshwater Dolphin Day, Syeda Rizwana Hasan emphasised the need for forest officials to work with courage and speed in protecting forests.
She advised officials of the Forest Department to report any issues to their superiors and assured them that her door was always open for support.
The Environment Adviser also mentioned plans to introduce risk allowances for forest officials.
She highlighted that planting native tree species is the primary responsibility of the Forest Department and urged forest guards to take timely action against illegal logging.
The adviser further noted that the presence of freshwater dolphins in our rivers and water bodies is an indicator of the health of our environment.
To protect dolphins, it is essential to prevent water pollution and ensure the natural flow of rivers and wetlands.
She called for increased public awareness and effective implementation of government initiatives.
Additionally, she emphasized the importance of involving local communities in dolphin conservation efforts.
The event was also addressed by Dr Farhina Ahmed, secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, and Md Zillur Rahman, director general of the Department of Fisheries, as special guests.
The event was chaired by Md Amir Hossain Chowdhury, chief conservator of Forests.
Among other speakers were Dr M Monirul H Khan, professor of Zoology at Jahangirnagar University; Govinda Roy, deputy chief conservator of Forests and project director of SUFAL; and Imran Ahmed, conservator of Forests for Wildlife and Nature Conservation.
The experts discussed recent challenges and future plans for dolphin conservation.
