Q. What is the IUCN status of ‘Gangetic Dolphin’ recently seen in the news?
Answer:
Endangered
Notes: A Gangetic dolphin recently rescued in Odisha raises hopes for the presence of more freshwater dolphins in rivers. Once widespread in the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu river systems, the Ganges river dolphin is now endangered. Classified as blind, it hunts using ultrasonic sounds. The species, protected under Schedule-I of India's Wildlife (Protection) Act, faces conservation challenges. 'Project Gangetic Dolphin,' launched in 2023, signifies India's commitment to the endangered species, declared the national aquatic animal.