The South Asian River Dolphin is a species of Dolphin that belongs to the Platanistidae animal family.
The South Asian River Dolphin has two subspecies. These two subspecies of the South Asian River Dolphin are: the Indus River Dolphin, and the Ganges River Dolphin. Both the Ganges River Dolphin and the Indus River Dolphin are endangered species today.
The Indus River Dolphin
The Indus River Dolphin is an endangered species. There are only 1,816 Indus River Dolphins left in the wild, according to the WWF. However, in 2017 it was reported by the WWF that there had been a 50% increase in the Indus River Dolphin population since 2001! Therefore, the Indus River Dolphin population has doubled since the start of the century, which is positive and welcoming news! Pakistan - where Indus River Dolphins are found - have said recently that they are looking to protect Indus River Dolphins.
There are many things that have threatened the Indus River Dolphins survival. These threats include: the building of dams, pollution and more.
The Ganges River Dolphin
The Ganges River Dolphin is also an endangered species. Their population is somewhat similar to the Indus River Dolphin population: the population of the Ganges River Dolphin is between 1,200 and 1,800 animals, according to the WWF. It's unclear what the population trend is for the Ganges River Dolphin. In other words, we don't know if their population is increasing, decreasing or staying the same.
The Ganges River Dolphin face three distinct threats in the wild: 1) dams are a major threats for these animals, and, 2) pollution and 3) bycatch are also another two threats to the existence of these animals.
What Do South Asian River Dolphins Eat?
These animals eat various different other marine animals. The types of marine animals that these Dolphins eat include: carp, herring, prawns and catfish.
What Is The Habitat Of These Animals?
These Dolphins exist in a few different marine habitats. Including wetlands and marine neritic habitats. Marine neritic habitats are shallow parts of the ocean.
How Can You Help These Dolphins?
There doesn't seem to be any way to adopt a South Asian River Dolphin specifically. However, you can adopt Dolphins.