International Freshwater Dolphin Day History – Fresh Water Dolphin Characteristics, Conservation, and Species

International Freshwater Dolphin Day is celebrated annually on October 24^th. This day is dedicated to raising global awareness about the conservation of freshwater dolphin species and the preservation of their river habitats. It also promotes the efforts to protect freshwater Dolphins. According to Fresh Water Dolphin Characteristics, these are distinct from their marine relatives, living in rivers, lakes, and sometimes coastal waters. Different projects are working on Fresh Water Dolphin Conservation.

They play a vital role in the health of freshwater ecosystems, acting as indicators of environmental well-being. The most well-known freshwater dolphins include the Amazon River dolphin, the Ganges River dolphin, as well as the Indus River dolphin.

History of International Freshwater Dolphin Day

International Freshwater Dolphin Day was declared during the “Workshop on Establishing Protected Areas for Freshwater Cetaceans” in East Kalimantan, Indonesia, in October 2009.

International Freshwater Dolphin Day was celebrated for the first time in Bangladesh on October 24, 2018. The Bangladesh Forest Department, along with IUCN Bangladesh, CNRS, and UNDP Bangladesh, organized this event. They organized this event under the GEF-funded project “Expanding the Protected Area System to Incorporate Important Aquatic Ecosystems” (EPASIIAE). This workshop was a significant event focused on the fresh water dolphins conservation and porpoises. However, this day was the initiative of IUCN SSC Cetacean Group and WWF.

This workshop was organized by the Provincial Government of East Kalimantan, Mulawarman University, and the local NGO Yayasan Konservasi RASI (Rare Aquatic Species of Indonesia). Indonesia has only one freshwater dolphin species, the Pesut Mahakam or Mahakam River Dolphin.

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The workshop was initiated and led by Danielle Kreb and Budiono from the Conservation Foundation for Rare Aquatic Species of Indonesia (RASI). This workshop brought together many researchers, conservationists, and government representatives to address the threats faced by freshwater cetaceans, particularly in Asia and South America.

Objectives of the Workshop

The main objective of the workshop was to exchange knowledge and experiences on the conservation management of planned or established protected areas for freshwater cetaceans in Asian rivers. The emphasis was placed on seven countries in Asia: Indonesia, China, Pakistan, Cambodia, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and India.

The workshop aimed to identify crucial habitats for freshwater cetaceans, such as the Indus River dolphin, the Ganges River dolphin, and the Amazon River dolphin. Moreover, participants worked on creating effective strategies for establishing and managing protected areas.

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Fresh Water Dolphin Characteristics

Freshwater dolphins are a group of cetaceans adapted to living in freshwater habitats like rivers and lakes rather than oceans. They are distinct from their marine counterparts in various physical, behavioral, and ecological traits.

If we talk about fresh water dolphin characteristics of color, they often exhibit dull colors like gray or brown to blend in with the muddy waters of rivers. They have smaller sizes than marine dolphins. Moreover, Freshwater dolphins have streamlined bodies that allow them to navigate shallow, slow-moving waters. They have elongated snouts with sharp teeth, allowing them to catch prey in muddy waters. Moreover, freshwater dolphins have unfused neck vertebrae, giving them the ability to move their heads laterally, which is useful in the narrow channels of rivers.

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Some freshwater dolphin species, such as the Yangtze Finless Porpoise, have either very small or no dorsal fins.  This adaptation helps them to move more easily in confined spaces. They have reduced or poor vision due to the murky, sediment-rich waters they inhabit.

Primarily, fresh water dolphins feed on fish, crustaceans, and sometimes small invertebrates. They are opportunistic feeders, relying on echolocation to locate prey. In addition, they tend to be more solitary or live in smaller groups compared to marine dolphins.

Indus River Dolphins

Fresh water dolphin characteristics of Indus River Dolphins are unique. Indus River dolphins are nearly blind and rely heavily on echolocation for navigation and hunting. They use echolocation to detect prey and navigate through turbid waters. This highly developed sense is crucial in environments where visibility is low.

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Freshwater Dolphin species

There are five freshwater dolphin species worldwide. These species of freshwater dolphins are the Indus River Dolphin, Ganges River Dolphin, Yangtze Finless Porpoise, Irrawaddy Dolphin, and Amazon River Dolphin. The Indus River dolphin is native to the Indus River in Pakistan. On the other hand, Yangtze Finless Porpoise is native to the Yangtze River and its tributaries in China. Ganges River Dolphin inhabits the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna river systems across India, Nepal, and Bangladesh. Moreover, the Amazon River dolphin is found in the Amazon and Orinoco river basins in South America.

Fresh Water Dolphin Conservation

Fresh water dolphin Conservation focus on protecting these endangered species and their habitats. Many of these species are at risk, prompting Fresh water Dolphin conservation organizations like WWF and IUCN to implement protective measures.

Moreover, efforts including habitat restoration, pollution reduction, and sustainable fishing practices are necessary to support local communities while safeguarding these endangered species.

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Dolphin Conservation Society works on global conservation efforts for dolphins, including freshwater species. In addition, the Conservation Foundation for Rare Aquatic Species of Indonesia (RASI) focuses on the conservation of the Irrawaddy dolphin and other freshwater cetaceans in Indonesia. Their projects include habitat restoration, monitoring dolphin populations, and engaging local communities in fresh water dolphin Conservation efforts.

Editor In Chief

Dr. Jassar Aftab is a qualified Veterinarian having expertise in veterinary communication. He is a renowned veterinary Journalist of Pakistan. He is veterinary columnist, veterinary writer and veterinary analyst. He is the author of three books. He has written a number of articles and columns on different topics related to livestock, dairy, poultry, wildlife, fisheries, food security and different aspects of animal sciences and veterinary education.

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