Assam Records 635 Ganges River Dolphins, Conservation Efforts Show Positive Impact
Ganges River Dolphin Population in Assam Rises to 635, Brahmaputra River Hosts the Majority
Guwahati; March 05, 2025: The population of the endangered Ganges River dolphin, locally known as Xihu, has shown a promising count in Assam. According to the latest survey released by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the National Board of Wildlife (NBWL) meeting, Assam is home to 635 Gangetic dolphins, a significant number within India’s riverine ecosystem.
The Brahmaputra River hosts the highest number, with 584 dolphins recorded. Other rivers in Assam also support small populations, with 22 dolphins in the Subansiri River, 20 in the Kulsi River, 5 in the Kopili River, and 4 in the Beki River.
The Ganges River dolphin (Platanista gangetica) is a Schedule I species under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, granting it the highest level of legal protection in India. These freshwater dolphins, often considered indicators of a healthy river ecosystem, face multiple threats, including habitat degradation, water pollution, and accidental entanglement in fishing nets.
Assam’s steady dolphin population highlights the state’s conservation efforts. Initiatives such as protected river zones, community awareness programs, and strict anti-poaching measures have played a crucial role in safeguarding these rare aquatic mammals.
Conservationists emphasize the importance of continued habitat protection and pollution control measures to ensure the survival of the species. The increasing population of Ganges River dolphins in Assam reflects ongoing efforts to maintain ecological balance and preserve biodiversity in the region’s river systems.
A thriving ecosystem for river dolphins 🐬🐬
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) March 4, 2025
635 Xihus thriving in Assam
In the National Board of Wildlife Meeting, Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi released the population survey of Gangetic river dolphins and there's good news for Assam!
Congratulations to all! pic.twitter.com/eefDojUlsN
