India’s first-ever River Dolphin Estimation Report has revealed that the country is home to 6,327 river dolphins, with Uttar Pradesh recording the highest population among all states at 2,397. The survey was conducted by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) in collaboration with the state forest departments of Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Assam, Jharkhand, and Rajasthan. Several non-profit organisations, including Aaranyak, World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Turtle Survival Alliance, and Wildlife Trust of India also collaborated on the survey.

The large-scale study covered 28 rivers across eight states, spanning over 8,500 kilometers and taking 3,150 days to complete. The survey primarily focused on the Ganga and Brahmaputra river systems, which are home to the Ganges River Dolphin.

According to the report, the highest dolphin population was recorded in Uttar Pradesh with 2,397 dolphins, followed by Bihar (2,220), West Bengal (815), and Assam (635). The findings of this survey are significant as they provide the first comprehensive estimate of River Dolphin populations in India.

River Dolphins are indicator species, meaning their presence reflects the overall health of freshwater ecosystems. Conservation efforts, including habitat protection, anti-pollution measures, and regulated fishing practices, are crucial for sustaining their numbers.