Mongabay · Climate & nature

Pakistan Expands Protected Habitat for Endangered Indus River Dolphin

Pakistan has created a new sanctuary for the endangered Indus River dolphin, connecting it with an existing reserve to form a 400-kilometer protected river corridor. This expansion aims to bolster the species' recovery despite significant threats.

A recent study indicates the Indus River dolphin population has grown to an estimated 1,987 individuals, a 19.4% increase between 2011 and 2017, attributed to past conservation efforts.

Despite this growth, nearly 99% of the population is concentrated in a 690-kilometer stretch, leaving them vulnerable to gillnet entanglement and habitat fragmentation from irrigation barrages.

The new Punjnad Indus River Dolphin Sanctuary in Punjab connects with a reserve in Sindh, creating a continuous protected area crucial for the species' survival.

Conservationists warn gains are fragile. The primary threat is gillnet entanglement, accounting for 52% of documented deaths between 2008-2023, exacerbated by commercial fishing.

Habitat fragmentation from dams and canals isolates dolphin subpopulations and leads them into dangerous irrigation channels, requiring frequent rescue efforts.

Beyond fishing and infrastructure, dolphins face pollution from mining and plastic waste. Climate change also impacts river flow and habitat quality.

Long-term survival requires cross-provincial coordination, ecological barrage modifications, and community involvement in sustainable fishing practices.

AI-samenvatting op basis van de bron.