DERA ISMAIL KHAN: The wildlife department has successfully completed the GIS-based Indus dolphin census survey in the Indus River under the Project Conservation and Management of Indus River Dolphin in the southern region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Divisional Forest Officer Khan Malook Khan and Sub-Divisional Wildlife Officer Malik supervised the weeklong activity, saying such surveys are conducted regularly to monitor population status and habitat quality of the dolphin in the Indus River.

Besides conducting community awareness campaigns to promote sustainable fishing practices, the provincial wildlife department also carries out operations to rescue dolphins that become stranded in irrigation canals, according to Mr Malook.

He told Dawn that the wildlife experts used modern Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques to ensure accurate mapping, monitoring and documentation of dolphin populations along the designated stretch of the river.

“During the comprehensive survey, a total of 135 dolphins were seen in the Indus River from Chashma Barrage to the Ramak area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” he said.

The DFO said that the survey covered critical habitats, deep pools and identified movement corridors to assess population distribution and habitat conditions.

He said that the results of the exercise indicated a significant increase in the population of dolphins in that stretch, highlighting the ecological importance of the area and the effectiveness of ongoing conservation efforts.

“These findings will serve as a scientific baseline for future monitoring, habitat management, and conservation planning to ensure the long-term protection of this endangered species,” he said.

Published in Dawn, February 26th, 2026