Fauna
Mammal

Ganges River Dolphin

Platanista gangetica

Also known as Susu, Shushuk, Blind River Dolphin, Ganges Dolphin

Ganges river dolphins are functionally blind freshwater cetaceans that navigate turbid river channels using high-frequency echolocation clicks. Swimming on their sides in shallow currents, they probe the muddy riverbed with long, toothy beaks to catch fish and crustaceans. Heavy dam construction, industrial pollution, and accidental entanglement in fishing nets pose severe risks to their remaining populations.

FreshwaterEcholocation
Ganges River Dolphin reference1 / 3
(c) Fábio Olmos, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Fábio Olmos · cc-by
—observations
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EndangeredConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXEndangeredRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyCatfish, Carp, Prawns
Predators
  • Humans
  • Large crocodiles
ThreatsDams, water diversion, net entanglement, and river pollution
HabitatsTurbid freshwater rivers, deep river pools, and floodplains
Life span20–30 years
Classification
  1. FamilyPlatanistidae
  2. SpeciesPlatanista gangetica
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Capable of delivering a sharp bite if cornered or entangled; observe safely from riverbanks or boats.
What to notice
Identified by a long slender snout studded with visible teeth, tiny eyes, and a low triangular dorsal ridge.
Support conservation
Observe strictly from boats or shoreline viewing sites at a respectful distance, avoiding any sudden maneuvers.
Responsible observation
  • Observation Spotting: Look for brief surface breaks and listen for the blowhole exhales near deep river bends.
  • Boating Safety: Cut motor speeds near known dolphin pools to eliminate dangerous propeller strikes and noise disturbance.
  • Habitat Protection: Support regional river conservation projects focused on removing abandoned gillnets.
Related species
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