'Habitat of the Indus River dolphin, currently reduced to one-fifth of its historical range, is degraded primarily due to shortage of water caused by its diversions to meet the growing agricultural needs in country'.
This was stated by speakers during an awareness event about conservation of Indus dolphin, organised by WWF-Pakistan on Sunday at Indus River Dolphin Conservation and Information Centre, Sukkur.
Imran Malik, Senior Conservation Officer of WWF-Pakistan said that Indus River dolphin is facing multiple threats which included canal stranding, release of untreated industrial effluents; unsustainable fishing and entanglement incidences of the dolphin.
He emphasised that sustainable fishing practices need to be promoted coupled with provision of alternative livelihood opportunities for local people to reduce pressure on aquatic resources. Media can play a pivotal role in raising awareness about conservation of Indus dolphin among local communities.
He appreciated the role of Fauji Fertilizers Company (FFC) for its contribution towards conservation of this endangered species. He also said that other corporate entities should also come forward and join hands with WWF-Pakistan to conserve these ecologically significant species.
As part of this awareness event, WWF-Pakistan organised an exposure visit for the staff of the FFC to the Indus River Dolphin Game Reserve in Sukkur. A group of fifty included the senior officials, technical staff and their families from the FFC's Goth Machhi and Mirpur Mathelo Plants Sites visited the Reserve.
Taj Muhammad Shaikh, Deputy Conservator Wildlife, Sindh Wildlife Department, said the department is making every possible effort in protecting Indus dolphins and minimising anthropogenic threats being confronted by the population. 'The department is working in close co-ordination with WWF-Pakistan for conservation of this river cetacean and has rescued a number of dolphins with support of community people', he added.
Speaking on the occasion, Brigadier Whaeed Akhter (Retd), Resident Manager FFC said that FFC, as part of existing collaboration with WWF-Pakistan, is extending support towards the dolphin conservation for a year's period initially.
A few notable outcomes to this collaboration so far include initiation of a phone helpline to report any incidence of stranded river dolphin to WWF-Pakistan and Sindh Wildlife Department as well as monitoring of the Indus River and associated canals during the low flow season to rescue stranded dolphins to minimise incidences of dolphin mortalities.
While, Brigadier Abdul Wahid Ali Khan (Retd) Resident Manager, FFC said that community mobilisation and raising awareness among public about dolphins through eco-tours and boat safaris are important achievements. He appreciated the efforts which WWF-Pakistan is making towards the conservation of Indus dolphin. He also mentioned that FFC has partnered with WWF-Pakistan to support these efforts further to protect Indus dolphin.
Later on, a dolphin watch boat safari was arranged for the group which brought an opportunity to them to see the dolphins in their habitat. Screening of a documentary on the ecological role of Indus River dolphin, threats to their existence and the conservation efforts in pace was also organised for the participants.
The Indus River dolphin (Platanista gangetica minor), an endangered freshwater cetacean, is a priority species of WWF's Global Goals.
The Indus River in Pakistan is home to the Indus River dolphin, hosts a population of about 1,452 dolphins, distributed between Chashma and Kotri barrages. Indus dolphin is considered, most threatened as its population is highly fragmented due to the construction of water regulatory barrages.
The largest population of dolphins is concentrated between Guddu and Sukkur barrages, which has been designated as a legally protected area, the Indus Dolphin Game Reserve. WWF-Pakistan has been engaged in a multidimensional conservation programme for more than a decade to support and protect the population of these dolphins in collaboration with its partners.-PR
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