- Indus River dolphins are distinguished by their elongated noses and small, nearly vestigial eyes.
- Once thriving in the lower parts of the Indus and its tributaries, their numbers have dwindled due to various environmental stresses.
- “Their story is not just about their survival but also about our responsibility to safeguard our planet’s diverse and increasingly vulnerable wildlife for future generations,” a new op-ed argues.
- This post is a commentary. The views expressed are those of the author, not necessarily Mongabay.
The Indus River dolphin, an ancient species steeped in myth and legend, is a symbol of Pakistan’s rich natural heritage. Their resurgence from near extinction is a beacon of hope, yet their existence remains precariously balanced on the edge, threatened by both human-made and natural challenges.
The Indus River dolphins, scientifically known as Platanista gangetica minor, are distinguished by their elongated noses and small, nearly vestigial eyes. Adapted to life in the murky waters of the Indus River, they represent a subspecies of the South Asian river dolphin. Once thriving in the lower parts of the Indus and its tributaries, their numbers have alarmingly dwindled due to various environmental stresses.
From an estimated population of around 10,000 in the late 19th century, the dolphins’ numbers plummeted to a mere 617 by 2001. While the construction of dams and barrages in the mid-20th century played a significant role in fragmenting their habitat, current environmental challenges pose even greater threats. Climate change, with its altered river flows, increased temperatures, and extreme weather events, exacerbates the situation.
Moreover, human activities such as gold mining in the Indus River significantly contribute to the degradation of their habitat. Gold mining in the region, often conducted with little regard for environmental conservation, is a significant source of river pollution. The use of toxic chemicals like mercury and cyanide in the extraction process contaminates the river water, harming not only the dolphins but the entire aquatic ecosystem. Sedimentation from mining activities also disrupts the river flow, affecting the dolphins’ navigation and foraging patterns.
In addition to gold mining, industrial effluents, agricultural run-offs, and domestic sewage significantly contribute to the pollution of the Indus River. These pollutants not only degrade the water quality but also affect the fish populations that are a vital food source for the dolphins.
Overfishing is another critical concern, as it leads to food scarcity and competition, further stressing the dolphin population. Similarly, climate change, with its profound and far-reaching impacts, poses a significant threat to the survival of the Indus River dolphins. Changes in precipitation patterns and glacier melt in the Himalayas affect the flow and health of the Indus River. These alterations can lead to habitat loss and reduced availability of prey for the dolphins, making their survival even more challenging.
See related: Illegal gold mining threatens Indus River water and biodiversity
Despite these dire circumstances, conservation efforts in the 1970s, including the outlawing of dolphin hunting and the declaration of the species as protected, have led to a gradual increase in their numbers. By 2021, their population had reached approximately 2,100. However, this number is still dangerously low for ensuring long-term survival and genetic diversity. Addressing the myriad challenges facing the Indus River dolphins requires a holistic approach that considers the interconnectedness of various environmental issues. Strategies must encompass not only direct conservation measures but also broader efforts to mitigate climate change, control pollution, and manage water resources sustainably.
The plight of the Indus River dolphins is a stark reminder of the environmental challenges facing Pakistan and the world. Their survival hinges on our ability to balance human needs with ecological preservation. It is a call to action for not only Pakistan but the global community to commit to conservation, understand the complex relationship between human activities and the natural world, and take bold steps to protect these remarkable creatures.
Their story is not just about their survival but also about our responsibility to safeguard our planet’s diverse and increasingly vulnerable wildlife for future generations. The fate of the Indus River dolphins is indeed a clarion call for environmental stewardship and sustainable coexistence.
Sabir Hussain is a journalist and editor at Sunrise Today based in Islamabad, which covers science, technology, climate change, environmental issues, energy, public health, education, Afghan refugees and international affairs. Reach out to him on X via @EngSabirHussain or by email, lectureonline14@gmail.com.
See related coverage: Nations recently acted to protect six kinds of river dolphins, including the Indus River species:
Nine countries sign global pact to protect endangered river dolphins
Related listening from Mongabay’s podcast: Scientists conducting rapid biological surveys are successfully using data to conserve rivers in the wildest part of Europe, listen here: