Researchers of Jagannath University, Dhaka identified and counted River dolphin in the Turag River

Ganges river dolphins are scientific name Platanista gangetica gangetica. Also it’s known as “shusuk” in Bangla. These aquatic animals are threatened in Bangladesh due to dams, water pollution, small and large embankment schemes, and fisheries bycatch. Other threats to the Ganges river dolphin in the Buriganga and Turag River include boat traffic from motor vessels of different types and size. River dolphins are not very widely distributed; they are all restricted to certain rivers or deltas.

Research team of the department of Zoology, Jagannath University, Dhaka in Bangladesh has frequently seen the dolphins to avoid vessels in the Buriganga and Turag River. It’s one of four species of freshwater dolphins found globally. 

Various anthropogenic activities including industrial and domestic pollution, boat traffic, reduced water flow and prey depletion mainly in the dry season, and housing/land development projects along the Turag River are potential threats for the long-term survival of the Ganges river dolphin.

Research Article l International Journal of Zoology l Volume 2017 l Article ID 8964821 l https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/8964821