Dolphins

Study flags chemical contamination risk to endangered Gangetic dolphins

A scientific study has revealed alarming levels of toxic chemicals in the Ganga river, threatening the health and survival of the endangered Gangetic dolphins. Published in the journal 'Heliyon', the study by the Wildlife Institute of India found that these freshwater mammals are being exposed to a hazardous cocktail of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) through their diet. The researchers analysed the dietary exposure risks of 39 EDCs in fish species consumed by Gangetic dolphins. The findings indicate significant bioaccumulation of industrial pollutants such as di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP) in the prey base of the dolphins. Residues of banned pesticides like DDT and Lindane (-HCH) were also detected, pointing to poor enforcement of environmental regulations in the Ganga basin. The Gangetic dolphin population has declined by over 50 per cent since 1957, and their range has shrunk by nearly a quarter, despite being designated as India's natio

Sunita Williams returns to Earth, dolphins welcome her home. VIDEO

After almost nine months in space, Nasa astronaut Sunita 'Suni' Williams and Barry 'Butch' Willmore returned to Earth, where dolphins greeted their capsule in a viral moment during recovery

First-ever survey finds over 6,300 river dolphins in country; highest in UP

The first population estimation of riverine dolphins in India has revealed the presence of 6,327 dolphins in the Ganga, Brahmaputra and Indus river systems, according to a government report published on Monday. As part of 'Project Dolphin', a comprehensive survey was conducted for the first time to estimate the population of river dolphins across eight states -- Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Assam and Punjab. Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of dolphins at 2,397, followed by Bihar 2,220, West Bengal 815, Assam 635, Jharkhand 162, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh 95, and Punjab 3, the report said. The Ganges river dolphin, known for its unique features, is found in the Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna river system and its tributaries across India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan. A small population of the Indus river dolphin, a close relative of the Ganges river dolphin, is found in the Indus river system in India. According to the report titled ...

Microplastic pollution is everywhere even in exhaled breath of dolphins

Tiny plastic pieces have spread all over the planet: on land, in the air and even in clouds

Over 100 dolphins dead in Amazon as it hits record-high temperature

According to the Mamiraua Institute, a research facility funded by the Brazilian Ministry of Science, these dolphins were found in Lake Tefe

Yamuna dolphin lands up in fisherman's net, 5 charged for killing it

A forest ranger in his complaint got four people charged for killing and eating the dolphin which they accidentally caught from the Yamuna river in Uttar Pradesh

MV Ganga Vilas cruise could threaten endangered river dolphins: Experts

'World's longest river cruise' will take the maiden journey from Varanasi and travel 3,200 km over 51 days to Dibrugarh in Assam, passing through 27 different river systems

Annual census of dolphins begins at Odisha's Bhitarkanika, Gahirmatha

The annual census of dolphins began in Odisha's Bhitarkanika national park and Gahirmatha marine sanctuary, officials said on Thursday. Over 100 wildlife experts were conducting the headcount in a three-day exercise, which began on Wednesday, they said. Each team is equipped with binoculars, GPS sets, rangefinders and data recording sheets for a foolproof headcount of the dolphins, officials of the Chilika Development Authority said. The exercise was being conducted using the 'Transact Survey Method', followed worldwide, they said. The Odisha coast has emerged as an ideal habitat for dolphins with an impressive rise of 33 per cent in their population, officials said, quoting the last census. A total of 726 dolphins were sighted during the census conducted in the last December-January season in the five coastal divisions in Chilika lagoon, they said. Six species of dolphins -- Irrawaddy, Bottlenose, Humpback, Striped, Finless and Spinner -- were recorded during the last census, th

This shipping company is rerouting its ships. To save blue whales

The Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has started to re-route its ship on the shipping lanes off the Sri Lankan coast in a bid to save the massive blue whales

Project Lion to clean energy: On I-Day, PM announces plans for environment

He announced the government's big plans for Ladakh, which became a union territory in 2019

Dacoits and dolphins

A boat ride on the Chambal opens up a world that is still unspoilt, writes Geetanjali Krishna