Indus River Dolphin [Platanista gangetica minor]
Description
The Indus river dolphin, or bhulan, is found in the lower parts of the Indus River in Pakistan and River Beas in India. Similar to the Ganges river dolphin, it relies on echolocation for navigation and hunting due to its poor vision. The dolphin has a long snout and a stocky body, with skin color ranging from blue-gray to brown. Its survival is threatened by water pollution, poaching, and construction of dams and barrages that cause habitat fragmentation.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Chordates
Chordata
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Mammals
Mammalia
|
| Order |
Cetaceans
Cetacea
|
| Family |
Ganges and Indus river dolphins
Platanistidae
|
| Genus |
South Asian River Dolphin
Platanista
|