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Indus River Dolphin Population Reaches 1,987, But Threats Persist
M
Moneycontrol•27-09-2026, 09:33
Indus River Dolphin Population Reaches 1,987, But Threats Persist
- •Pakistan's endangered Indus River dolphin population has grown to an estimated 1,987, offering hope for the species' recovery.
- •Despite population growth, the freshwater mammals face ongoing threats from fishing nets, pollution, and fragmented habitats.
- •The Indus River dolphin, locally known as bhulan, relies on echolocation due to extremely limited eyesight, adapting to murky waters.
- •Dams, barrages, and irrigation canals have fragmented the dolphin's habitat, concentrating nearly 99% of the population in a 690-kilometer stretch of the Indus.
- •Pakistan established the Punjnad Indus River Dolphin Sanctuary in June 2026, protecting 200 kilometers of river habitat, though conservationists emphasize the need for broader protective measures and inter-provincial cooperation.
Key Questions Answered
A 2025 population study estimated that 1,987 Indus River dolphins remain in the wild in Pakistan, offering some hope for recovery compared to historical lows.
The main threats include entanglement in gillnets, which accounted for 52% of documented dolphin deaths between 2008 and 2023, along with habitat fragmentation from dams, barrages, irrigation canals, and industrial pollution.
In June 2026, Pakistan established the Punjnad Indus River Dolphin Sanctuary in Punjab, which protects nearly 200 kilometres of the river habitat.
