THE Indus River dolphin features a long beak, rounded belly, stocky body, very small dorsal fin and large flippers. Its eye hasn’t developed a lens so they are referred to as the ‘blind dolphin’. It is the one of the world’s rarest mammals and the second most endangered freshwater river dolphin. Approximately 1,100 specimens of these species exist today in a small fraction in lower reaches of the Indus River in Pakistan.

There are several threats to their survival. Reckless fishing that reduces their species availability is a major factor. Secondly, construction of irrigation system in the Indus causes their species to suffer. Moreover, river pollution is also a significant concern, mainly caused by dumping litter.

To conserve their habitat WWF staff have also been involved in rescue missions. WWF back in 2001 had also coordinated the largest survey of the species ever in collaboration with their partners. WWF Pakistan assists in a number of education initiatives and has arranged training courses for various institutions. WWF’s objective is to ensure that habitat degradation, stranding and fisheries by catch do not threaten freshwater species.

We hope appropriate measures aimed at preserving the River Indus dolphin are taken by the authorities concerned, before it’s too late.

S.M. IBrahim

Karachi

Published in Dawn, May 16th, 2016