Ganges river dolphin  (Platanista gangetica)

The Ganges drainage area is one of the most densely populated areas in the world, being home to roughly one tenth of the world's human population, and as such suffers enormous demand for its resources. A major threat to the Ganges river dolphin has been the extensive damming of rivers for irrigation and electricity generation, which isolates populations and prevents seasonal migration (7). Other threats include chemical pollution, boat traffic, hunting and human disturbance. This species is hunted for oil, fish bait and food by local people; accidental entanglement in fishing nets also occurs (5).

International trade is prohibited by the listing of the Ganges river dolphin on Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) (3). It is also listed in the Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans of the Baltic and North Sea (ASCOBANS), under the auspices of the CMS (8). It is protected under the Indian Wildlife Act, although these legislations require stricter enforcement (5). Proposed conservation measures include designated dolphin sanctuaries and the creation of additional habitat. Further research into the current distribution and abundance of this elusive river-dweller is urgently required in order to implement effective conservation measures (5).