KARACHI: Stranding of the endangered blind dolphins have increased dramatically over the past one year in the upstream Sukkur barrage area, apparently due to growing movement of motorised boats. On Tuesday, the wildlife department rescued a group of seven dolphins in the Rohri canal.

Sources said there had been a striking ‘unexplained increase” in dolphin stranding in the irrigation canals in Sukkur in one and a half years, which seemed to be linked to the growing motorised movement in their habitat.

“People are cutting wood from the forests left in the area and using boats to shift the logs to other places to sell them off,” shared a wildlife department official on the condition of anonymity.

The species, he said, could experience stress during the rescue and translocation process due to the sound and movement of the vehicle.

Wildlife officials rescue seven dolphins in Rohri Canal

The Indus dolphin, he explained, was a sensitive mammal, which relied on its highly developed sonar and hearing to navigate and the motorised movement in the channels might have disoriented the species.

The forest areas, he pointed out, were practically “no-go areas” as they were ruled by dacoits with no government writ, he added.

38 stranding cases this year

The wildlife department data of dolphin rescue operation show that a total of 46 incidents of stranding were reported from 2015 to 2020. Of them, 44 dolphins were rescued.

In 2004, 26 incidents of stranding were reported in which 17 dolphins were rescued. In 2005, 17 incidents were reported with 15 rescue cases. In 2010, 22 dolphins were rescued out of the 17 stranded members.

“In 2021, the department was able to save 10 out of the 16 stranded dolphins while this year so far 38 incidents have been reported. We are able to rescue 34 stranded dolphins,” said a wildlife official.

Need for scientific inquiry

When contacted, Sindh Wildlife Conservator Javed Ahmed Mahar admitted that there was an increase in stranding incidents but contended that this required a thorough scientific investigation.

“We can’t say anything for sure right now as there could be multiple reasons (behind the increase in stranding incidents). However, we know that it’s a sound-sensitive species,” he said.

About the mortalities during rescue operation, he said it’s a highly skilled operation, involving great experience and care. “When the canal gates are closed, the water level drops, and these canals turn into small ponds and dolphins get trapped. There is 100 per cent risk in the rescue operation during which trapped dolphins are safely translocated to the main river channel.”

Efforts are on for the population’s conservation with the help of non-government organisations, communities and the government.

“Therefore, a specialised soundproof ambulance is eq­ui­­pped with a shower and water tank to keep the dolphin’s skin moist to ensure its well-being and safety,” he said.

According to media rep­orts, this year has been a difficult for the dolphins, also for the sub-population found in Taunsa-Guddu section of the river due to increasing mortality.

Most incidents are linked to fishing activity being carried out under a contract system authorised by the fisheries department. The fishing has proved lethal for the dwindling population of this precious species.

Experts believe protection of such rare mammals is all the more important in a country like Pakistan as this is considered flagship species of Indus River and indicator of health of the Indus River Ecosystem and its associated habitat.

Development of barrages and habitat fragmentation and destruction were cited as the major reasons for their dwindling population.

The Indus river dolphin is the second most endangered freshwater dolphin in the world. They have adapted to life in the muddy river and are functionally blind.

In 2001, World Wide Fund for Nature-Pakistan conduc­ted the first Indus River dolphin survey where only 1,200 individuals were counted.

Published in Dawn, July 20th, 2022