Guest guest Posted November 8, 2009 Report Share Posted November 8, 2009 Dear all, Please find attached a transcript of a discussion between Merritt Clifton and me regarding the dolphin captivity issue in India. Thanks to Mr Clifton for sharing the information that I deem important for sharing. Some material from my side. As Mr Clifton says, the 1998 dolphin deal first appeared in the newspapers and I was among the people who alerted Mrs Gandhi about the development and she expressed her opposition to the idea. However, the deal went ahead. The Chennai facility was surveyed by dolphin expert R S LalMohan who wrote about it in the Gangetic River Dolphin newsletter, I have it somewhere. The dolphins subsequently died and all of them were BottleNose Dolphins. Apart from Mrs Gandhi, there were several other notable individuals who were involved in opposing the idea : Mark Berman of Earth Island Institute, William Rossiter of Cetacean Society International and Vanessa Williams of Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society. I was living in Assam at the time and mailed all the material to Mrs Gandhi and was informed that she had got any further importation of dolphins banned. As far as Gangetic River Dolphins in captivity are concerned, I know of only two records that were revealed to me by dolphin expert R K Sinha who I interviewed for the Telegraph. One animal was taken by a scientist called Georgio Pilleri at the Brain Anatomy Institute in Berne, Switzerland in the late seventies. The animal came from either Pakistan or Bangladesh, I cannot remember now. The second case he told me were of two Gangetic River Dolphins that were taken by a dolphinarium in Japan from Bangladesh. The animal in Switzerland could have been an Indus River Dolphin, now categorised as a different species from the Gangetic River Dolphin. This was reported in an old issue of a magazine called Science Today. Indus River Dolphins are not covered under the Wildlife Protection Act of India at the moment although they sometimes swim inside Indian territory from Pakistan. River Dolphins have never done particularly well in captivity anywhere in the world. The only species that has been held with any degree of success is the Boutu or Amazon River Dolphin. Their physiology precludes a satisfactory life in captivity. I hope all these factors are taken into cognizance before the Delhi Zoo plan goes ahead. The very best document on cetacean captivity can be read online here : http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/whales/debate/ethics.html Many thanks again to Merritt Clifton for enlightening all of us. Cheers, *However, your article says, " People for Animals founder Maneka Gandhi, who twice held Ramesh's portfolio in the 1980s and 1990s, has for more than 30 years fought efforts to introduce dolphinariums to India. " * You can get as technical as you like about the file-shuffling, but one way or another Maneka held the cabinet-level authority over zoos & aquariums twice, & used it both times to prevent dolphins from being captured or imported for exhibition. *The only effort to introduce a dolphinarium in India that I am aware of is Dolphin City in Chennai that imported Bottlenose Dolphins from Bulgaria in the late 1990s, 1997/1998 if memory serves me correctly.* That was apparently the second time something similar had come up. As I recall, the proposal was made in mid-1998. I was in frequent e-mail contact with Maneka at that time, after meeting her in December 1997, and also had contacts in Bulgaria at that time who were working on the issue. The dolphin proposal surfaced in the papers, before Maneka was informed in any other way, & she just exploded. Her very first words to me were that she thought she had stopped the idea for all time during her previous ministry. I think I wrote something about the situation for ANIMAL PEOPLE, & will see if I can find it. I believe she faxed me something she had written against dolphin captivity very early in her career, circa 1984, when she was just beginning as a newspaper columnist. Later she wrote more. Unfortunately, a lightning strike in October 1998 destroyed the computer I was using then, and my external hard drive, and severely damaged my laptop as well. All but one of the back editions of ANIMAL PEOPLE survived on other disks and were recovered, but I don't have electronic copies of any of my older correspondence with Maneka. I do have paper copies, I think, but not stored at this office. ** *Dear Mr Clifton,* * Thank you for posting this important item. You may find the attached news item of some interest. However, your article says, " People for Animals founder Maneka Gandhi, who twice held Ramesh's portfolio in the 1980s and 1990s, has for more than 30 years fought efforts to introduce dolphinariums to India. " As far I know, Maneka Gandhi served as Minister of Environment from 1989 to 1991 in the cabinet of V.P. Singh. In 1996 and 1998, she was reelected to the Lok Sabha as an independent member from Pilibhit in Uttar Pradesh and served in the BJP led governments as Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, and Minister for Culture. She created the Department for Animal Welfare and served as its Minister along with her other portfolios. Please note that the Ministry of Environment and Forests is different from the other portfolios Maneka Gandhi has held as minister although the department of Animal Welfare was shifted from the Ministry of Environment and Forests to the Social Justice department when she was at the helm.* * You also say she has fought efforts to prevent the introduction of dolphinariums in India for over 30 years. The only effort to introduce a dolphinarium in India that I am aware of is Dolphin City in Chennai that imported Bottlenose Dolphins from Bulgaria in the late 1990s, 1997/1998 if memory serves me correctly. I was involved in the campaign to shut the facility down and had corresponded with her and several other groups regarding this. The dolphins in Chennai died and there have been no further plans to bring them back. However your item indicates that there might have been efforts to introduce dolphinariums in India as early as 1979. Can you substantiate this suggestion? Which organisations, apart from Dolphin City had planned to start dolphinariums in India and on what dates? What species of dolphins were involved and from which countries? And what kind of campaign was involved to stop their entry into India?* * Thank you.* * Regards,* ** * * * http://www.dailypioneer.com/207625/Govt-plans-to-keep-Gangetic-dolphins-in-Delhi\ -zoo.html * *Govt plans to keep Gangetic dolphins in Delhi zoo* *M Madhusudan | New Delhi* The Centre wants to keep the Ganges River Dolphins in the Delhi zoo to �create awareness among the visitors about the importance of the endangered species�. But experts on dolphins have outrightly trashed the ambitious plan terming it as �impossible� and one that will �only further endanger the endangered species�, declared as the National Aquatic Animal only a couple of days ago. Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh on Wednesday announced the Government�s plans during a function to mark the Wildlife Week celebrations. �It cannot be possible on many counts. The Ganges River Dolphin is a freshwater animal. It requires flowing water and is a predator. It doesn�t eat dead fish. If there are minimal chances of its survival in captivity, the cost on the project including maintenance and technology is very high. More importantly, India doesn�t have expert veterinary doctors to attend to Dolphins. Any such move should only be made after a thorough discussion involving all pros and cons,� RK Sinha, an internationally acclaimed dolphin expert, told The Pioneer. Delhi zoo Director DN Singh said his officials would chalk out an action plan in this regard. �If the Government succeeded in doing so it will be the first of its kind project in the country. The species are under the Schedule I of Wildlife Protection Act hence we cannot bring it from anywhere. We will look for a rescued one from Bihar where they are found in abundance,� Singh said. However, as things stand, a contemplation on keeping the freshwater dolphin in captivity had been underway some 15 years ago. The Bihar Government had thought of it in 1994, only to discard it completely on the advise of international experts. On 11/6/09, Merritt Clifton <anmlpepl wrote: > > > > From ANIMAL PEOPLE, October 2009: > > Gangetic dolphins in zoo? > > NEW DELHI, PATNA--Created to protect the Ganga River and > tributaries, the Ganga River Basin Authority debuted on October 5, > 2009 by declaring Gangetic dolphins the Indian national aquatic > animal, on a motion by Bijar chief minister Nitish Kumar. The > action gives Gangetic dolphins status equivalent to tigers, the > national animal, and peacocks, the national bird. As few as 1,500 > Gangetic dolphins remain in the Ganga basin. > " Gangetic dolphins represent the health of the rivers, > particularly the Ganga, " explained national environment and forest > minister Jairam Ramesh. Only in office since August 2009, > Ramesh has rapidly developed an animal-friendly reputation--but he > stepped into hot water at a Wildlife Week function just a day later > by pledging to " ensure that the Gangetic dolphin is kept in the Delhi > Zoo, for creating awareness among visitors about the importance of > the species. " > The Delhi Zoo has no dolphinarium, Delhi Zoo animal care has > often been controversial, and People for Animals founder Maneka > Gandhi, who twice held Ramesh's portfolio in the 1980s and 1990s, > has for more than 30 years fought efforts to introduce dolphinariums > to India. > Citing the Ganga River Basin Authority motion, Nitish Kumar > on October 8, 2009 ordered the Bijar state police to stop dolphin > hunting and captures. > There is a summary of the Dolphin City case & Maneka's opposition to dolphin captivity near the end of this. It appears to be summarizing my earlier coverage. She had told me that if anyone could build the equivalent of the Sea World dolphin facilities in India, she would approve them -- knowing, of course, that even in the U.S. no one except Sea World has managed to build anything comparable, not even Walt Disney Inc. (though Disney has not even tried to build dolphin facilities since EPCOT Center.) --\ -------------- Free Willy! six years later (From ANIMAL PEOPLE, June 1999.) OSLO, Norway--Responding on four days' notice to a Japanese plan to capture four orcas in Norwegian waters, former " Flipper " trainer Ric O'Barry recently scored one of the biggest, quickest victories of his 30-year crusade against marine mammal captivity. Yet mass media and even Internet animal rights forums scarcely noticed. O'Barry was used to the silence. Arrested on Earth Day 1970 for trying to free two captive dolphins, he campaigned virtually alone for almost 20 years. Then the 1993 hit film Free Willy! and sequels made opposition to marine mammal captivity briefly the fastest growing and most lucrative branch of the animal rights movement. In those days, the abrupt cancellation of a proposed orca capture might have won global note. But O'Barry was never a favorite of the Free Willy! crowd, having pointed out early in the saga that Keiko, the orca star of the Free Willy! films, was actually a poor candidate for successful release because of his advanced age and many years in captivity. Keiko has been out of sight in an Icelandic sea pen since early September 1998. He has become a much stronger swimmer and driver, Kristin Gazlay reported on May 7 for Associated Press, and is soon to be given the run of a much larger holding area. " But despite all his months in a natural environment, Keiko still has not figured out how to feed himself, " Gazlay wrote. O'Barry learned from the Norwegian Federation for Animal Protection on March 9 that representatives of the new Nagoya Public Aquarium were due in Oslo on March 15 to meet with a variety of government officials. The Japanese reportedly hoped to hire notorious whaling and sealing fleet owner Steinar Bastensen to capture orcas, for display when the aquarium opens in 2001. The Norwegian Federation for Animal Protection only learned of the Japanese plan that morning, from the Norwegian newspaper Nordlys. The plan apparently had strong support from the Norwegian ministry of trade. But the ministeries of fisheries, the environment, and agriculture were said to be opposed--not least because the capture effort would attract activist and media attention, raising the profile of the revived Norwegian whaling and sealing industries. That gave the O'Barry and NFAP an opening. O'Barry arrived to help on March 13, with his bride of a few months, Danish journalist Helene Hesselgaar. Rallying support via the Internet, O'Barry, Hesselgaar, and NFAP confronted the Japanese delegation two days later as they arrived at the Norwegian fisheries ministry office in Oslo for their first scheduled meeting. The meeting ended with the plan suspended--though O'Barry warns that the issue isn't over, that the Nagoya Public Aquarium may now seek orcas from Russian or Argentinian waters, and still has about 18 months to get them before the aquarium opens. Apart from Keiko in his sea pen, the most evident effect of marine mammal freedom advocacy in the six years since Free Willy! debuted is that for about five years it siphoned funding and attention away from other marine mammal issues--until a TV crew on May 17 shocked the world awake by videotaping eight Makah men in the act of killing a young gray whale. (See page 1.) Overshadowed in the interim were the annual Japanese escalation of " research " whaling; the unilateral Norwegian resumption of undisguised commercial whaling in 1994; the resumption of the Canadian offshore seal hunt in 1995; and the process by which the Makah resumed whaling. Japan and Norway are now trying to use the Makah example to rationalize " cultural " whaling in their own coastal waters--and they don't want any activists looking in their direction. Closures Cumulative attendance at captive marine mammal displays has only risen. If the anti-captivity movement had any effect at all on marine mammal exhibition, it was probably just to help accelerate a trend already long underway toward rerouting audience share from smaller and older facilities to those which can claim to be state-of-the-art. Keiko's departure to Iceland last September upstaged the permanent closure one day later of the Depoe Bay Aquarium in Depoe Bay, Oregon. Owners John and Talley Woodmark said they couldn't afford the estimated $200,000 cost of renovating the 72-year-old aquarium to meet current legal requirements and public expectations. The Woodmarks bought the aquarium in 1978, but gradually lost most of their audience to the Oregon Coast Aquarium, 20 miles south, opened in 1984. The Woodmarks began planning to leave the business in 1995, after the Oregon Coast Aquarium was selected as Keiko's temporary home between his removal from the substandard El Reino Aventura aquarium in Mexico City, where the first Free Willy! film was partly made, and his exodus to Iceland. Their harbor seal went to Sea World at Aurora, Ohio; their two sea lions went to the Indiana Children's Zoo in Fort Wayne; and the building itself is being turned into an art gallery. Ironically, the seal and sea lions were temporarily kept at the Oregon Coast Aquarium, whose staff face lean times themselves after losing their star attration. Keiko's former tank is now being renovated into a $4.8 million, three-tank series of recreations of reef, ocean bottom, and open sea habitats. It is doubtful that they will draw even half the crowd that Keiko did. Depoe Bay was only one of at least three U.S. marine mammal exhibition venues that closed forever within the past 18 months: * The 14-year-old Maine Aquarium in Saco, out of business since mid-1997, was finally dismantled in January 1998, after relocating two harbor seals, four penguins, and a sea turtle, along with fish and invertebrates. * Cedar Point, in Sandusky, Ohio, in March 1998 closed its 18-year-old Oceana Marine Life Stadium, after three dolphins died there in barely two years, and sent the last surviving dolphin to the Dolphin Research Center swim-with facility in Florida. * Knott's Berry Farm in May 1998 announced that it would discontinue dolphin and sea lion exhibits after the 1998 tourist season. Revamps Marineland of Florida declared bankruptcy in April 1998 with debts of $9.7 million, and almost went under after closing to visitors in November 1998. It reopened on March 27, 1999, however, after reaching agreement with the USDA on a schedule for making improvements. Built in 1937 as an underwater film studio, and opened to the public in 1940, Marineland is generally considered the first modern oceanarium. Older facilities, such as the former Depoe Bay Aquarium, built in 1926, exhibited animals in tanks, but lacked the performance venues characterizing Marineland and successors. The Pittsburgh Zoo closed its sometimes controversial Aqua Zoo in September 1998, but is building a $12.5 million replacement, scheduled to open in April 2000. New and improved Offsetting the closures, all of small and old facilities, are a host of improvements and expansions at big and new facilities: * Marine World Africa USA, in Vallejo, California, enjoyed a 65% rise in attendance in 1998, after losing money for five years in a row and changing ownership. The new owners, Premier Parks Inc., operators of the Six Flags amusement park chain, retitled the facility Six Flags Marine World and put $40 million into new rides and site improvements. A 10-story roller coaster debuted in March 1999. The spending didn't particularly benefit the resident orcas, dolphins, walruses, and sea lions, but Premier Parks has denied that the addition of more non-animal attractions herald a shift away from animal-based entertainment. * The John Shedd Aquarium in Chicago on May 15 opened Caribbean Reef, a new exhibit that replaces a 27-year-old artificial reef. A $16.5 million Amazon exhibit and a $37.2 million Philippine coral reef exhibit are to open in 2000 and 2002, respectively. Built in 1930 and repeatedly expanded, Shedd was target of intensive protest, 1991-1994, after capturing beluga whales and Pacific whitesided dolphins from the wild to stock the marine mammal pavillion that was opened in 1992, but has not been targeted in recent years. The Shedd was the only U.S. institution to capture cetaceans other than stranding cases from the wild during the 1990s. * The Monterey Bay Aquarium opened a unique $5 million deep-sea exhibit in November 1998. The Monterey Bay Aquarium has never exhibited cetaceans, but California sea otters rescued from various distress situations remain the most popular animals in residence. * The 10-year-old Texas State Aquarium in Corpus Christi is undergoing an $11.5 million expansion to add a dolphin exhibit. Local dolphin tour boat operator Erv Strong has tried to build protest against the expansion, without notable success. * Colorado's Ocean Journey, costing $93 million to build, is to open to the public on June 21. Among the menagerie will be two California sea otters, three river otters, and two swimming Indonesian tigers, but no dolphins, in keeping with a 1993 promise to Robin Duxbury of Animal Rights Mobilization, whose " No dolphins in Denver " campaign was one of the few clear victories of the marine mammal freedom movement. * The Indianapolis Zoo in March 1999 announced a proposed $20 million expansion of its present Dolphin Pavillion and World of Waters into a new facility, to be called the Indiana State Aquarium. The old facilities were subject of numerous complaints and several public protests by the Animal and Environmental Defense Association between 1989 and 1994, especially following the 1992 death of a pseudorca named Tsuki, about a year after her import from Japan. Tsuki was reportedly captured during a " drive fishery, " in which most of her family were killed. The confrontations ceased in 1994, after AEDA blocked an attempt by the zoo to import four more pseudorcas from Japan. * The Vancouver Aquarium in October 1998 announced a $10 million expansion of facilities for fish and educational activity, but has not been able to overcome opposition orchestrated by the Coalition for No Whales in Captivity, Period and Lifeforce to expanding tanks occupied by beluga whales and an orca, who shares her space with a Pacific whitesided dolphin. The anti-captivity organizations argue that if the aquarium is allowed to give the whales more space, it may also acquire more whales. The aquarium--the first ever to exhibit an orca--had two orcas until last year, when the male died. The white-sided dolphin, their longtime companion, came to Vancouver with a reputation for pugnaciousness after clashing violently with dolphins at other facilities. * The often embattled 43-year-old Miami Seaquarium, actually located at Key Biscayne, was at last report still seeking ways and means of undertaking a $70 million expansion despite community opposition and courtroom defeats of attempts to overturn decisions of the Key Biscayne village council. The fight has gone on for nine years. Local activists remain hopeful that the Seaquarium will eventually be forced to close, and that the aging resident orca, Lolita, will be returned to her home waters in Puget Sound, where she was captured in 1973. Meanwhile, on April 28, 1999, the Seaquarium began fundraising to build a new manatee hospital and rehabilitation facility--not sounding much like an institution that anticipates folding soon. Dolphins or manatees Just being new is no guarantee of success. Opened in 1996, Underwater World at the Mall of America in Minneapolis flopped so severely that it spent most of 1998 enduring bankruptcy. The Camden Aquarium, in New Jersey, has struggled since opening in 1992, and the Florida State Aquarium in Tampa has lost money since opening in 1995. Industry observers ascribe all three failures, in part, to the absence of charismatic marine mammals. Camden attendence has picked up in recent years, however, after the addition of penguins and exotic fish to the original focus on species native to New Jersey. Adding marine mammals would be a bigger draw, but acquiring them is increasingly expensive. Bottlenose dolphins are plentifully available from captive sources, but building facilities that the public will accept as adequate tends to take more land, incur more debt, and create more public relations liabilities than many aquarium directors care to risk. Yet matters pertaining to parking and noise, as at Key Biscayne, seem to raise more enduring opposition than marine mammal captivity. In addition, opposition to captivity is easily avoided if the animals acquired are manatees. Like bottlenose dolphins, captive manatees are readily available. Unlike dolphins, manatees don't perform, or even interact much with viewers. But they don't seem to mind intensive close-up viewing, they don't need as much space as dolphins, and most of those in captivity have scars from power boat propellers that clearly show why they cannot be released--whereas even a captive-bred dolphin who has never known the open seas tends to evoke concerns about captivity with displays of speed and leaping ability. A year-old manatee exhibit is among the more popular attractions at Sea World San Diego; the Cincinnati Zoo opened a manatee exhibit on May 22, and the Columbus Zoo plans to open a manatee exhibit on June 21. As Lolita is among the longest surviving of all captive orcas, and may not be replaced, the increasing emphasis on manatees at the Miami Seaquarium, which has long had some, may reflect a growing feeling even among the executives of facilities traditionally focusing on cetaceans that manatees are the captive marine mammal of the future. The most recently announced new facility which is to keep cetaceans is a proposed $5 million marine mammal hospital and rehabilitation unit, to be added to the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution in Fort Pierce, Florida. Harbor Branch began fundraising for the project in April 1999, after housing recovering stranding victims for about a year in a temporary holding pool. Harbor Branch got into keeping marine mammals on behalf of the Marine Mammal Stranding Network in 1998, after Sea World at Orlando withdrew from a similar housing arrangement to protect its own animals from marine morbilivirus, a deadly disease related to German measles and canine distemper. Morbilivirus had been discovered in some wild dolphins off the Florida coast. Neither the existing Harbor Branch facility nor the proposed hospital and rehabilitation unit are intended to become exhibition venues, but inevitably wildlife rehabilitation centers acquire some animals who cannot be returned to the wild. Usually these animals are eventually exhibited to help raise funds in support of the treatment programs. Abroad Among the remaining older captive marine mammal facilities in North America, Marineland of Niagara Falls, Ontario, may have drawn more protest than any other in recent years. Not associated with Marineland of Florida, Marineland of Niagara Falls is a longtime reputed conduit for marine mammals coming to U.S. institutions from abroad. It also breeds marine mammals for sale to other aquariums. Owner John Holer has mostly successfully resisted activist pressure, but lost a round in August 1998 when the threat of a lawsuit from the Animal Alliance of Canada, the Bear Alliance, and Zoocheck Canada forced Marineland of Niagara Falls to relinquish two orphaned bear cubs, who were to be returned to the wild after rehabilitation by the Ontario Natural Resources Ministry. The marine mammal freedom movement may be strongest in Europe, though the appeal of marine mammals seems undiminshed: a three-week-old sea otter named Rosa was easily the top draw when the $70 million Oceanario de Lisboa aquarium opened in May 1998. The last British cetacean exhibition venues closed some years ago. Relatively few marine mammal exhibition sites persist on the European continent, and many of those with dolphins are among the older, smaller variety that are easily targeted for protest. In Africa, Asia and Latin America, by contrast, marine mammals often appear in traveling circuses. O'Barry has recently joined protests against such shows in Argentina, Brazil, Columbia, Peru, and Venezuela, as well as in Turkey. The traveling shows often originate from Russia or former Iron Curtain nations, typically featuring animals originally trained for use by the Soviet military. Opposition to marine mammal exhibition led by Maneka Gandhi, now Indian minister of state for social welfare and empowerment, has kept dolphin shows out of India. But her opposition rose independently from the Free Willy! hoopla. Maneka has often stated that she favors zoos and aquariums if they do not take animals from the wild and can at least match the animal care standards and educational quality of the best zoos and aquariums she has visited in the U.S.--and she has made plain that no facility now existing in India in her view even comes close. One new Indian location, Dolphin City in Chennai, did import and exhibit three dolphins from Bulgaria during September and October 1998. They all died within less than a month, possibly due to transport shock. The Asian economic crisis of the past two years has slowed the development of dolphinariums in several nations, but China, Taiwan, Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, Malay-sia, and Vietnam all reportedly still have one or more major marine mammal exhibition sites either under construction or in planning. " Asian development spells bad news for wildlife, " Earth Island Institute marine mammal program associate Mark Berman declared in the Spring 1999 edition of the American SPCA magazine Animal Watch. Yet before Americans and Canadi-ans met Flipper and other live marine mammals at captive sites in North America, only a few dissident marine scientists opposed whaling and sealing; there was no public opposition to netting tuna " on dolphin " ; and there was very little opposition of any sort to bombing and strafing orcas and belugas--a common U.S. and Canadian military practice until the 1970s, as the whales were generally believed to be competing with humans to catch fish. Wild marine mammals, from clawed otters to great whales, are in desperate trouble, especially in southeast Asian waters. It may be that worse news than captivity for their species would be that charismatic representatives are never introduced to the public. Quality exhibition venues, where the animals are well looked after, would be far preferable to sites like the one in Qingdao, China, where fireworks set off to mark the Chinese New Year on March 28 reportedly made nervous wrecks of four sea lions. Yet it is noteworthy that the government-run Xinhua news service cited the trauma to the sea lions first in warning citizens that " Several major Chinese cities have banned firecrackers, which have caused numerous deaths, injuries, and fires. " The sea lions also rated four paragraphs more prominence than the single-sentence mention that " Beijing authorities have continued to ban firecrackers from the capital. " What that means, in official Chinese media parlance, is that authorities trying to curb a public hazard think citizens will respond more positively on behalf of four formerly unfamiliar but now popular exotic animals, than just to a government order--which is, nonetheless, held in reserve. Not long ago, government orders came first. Animals didn't rate attention at all. --M.C. * http://www.dailypioneer.com/207625/Govt-plans-to-keep-Gangetic-dolphins-in-Delhi\ -zoo.html * *Govt plans to keep Gangetic dolphins in Delhi zoo* *M Madhusudan | New Delhi* The Centre wants to keep the Ganges River Dolphins in the Delhi zoo to �create awareness among the visitors about the importance of the endangered species�. But experts on dolphins have outrightly trashed the ambitious plan terming it as �impossible� and one that will �only further endanger the endangered species�, declared as the National Aquatic Animal only a couple of days ago. Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh on Wednesday announced the Government�s plans during a function to mark the Wildlife Week celebrations. �It cannot be possible on many counts. The Ganges River Dolphin is a freshwater animal. It requires flowing water and is a predator. It doesn�t eat dead fish. If there are minimal chances of its survival in captivity, the cost on the project including maintenance and technology is very high. More importantly, India doesn�t have expert veterinary doctors to attend to Dolphins. Any such move should only be made after a thorough discussion involving all pros and cons,� RK Sinha, an internationally acclaimed dolphin expert, told The Pioneer. Delhi zoo Director DN Singh said his officials would chalk out an action plan in this regard. �If the Government succeeded in doing so it will be the first of its kind project in the country. The species are under the Schedule I of Wildlife Protection Act hence we cannot bring it from anywhere. We will look for a rescued one from Bihar where they are found in abundance,� Singh said. However, as things stand, a contemplation on keeping the freshwater dolphin in captivity had been underway some 15 years ago. The Bihar Government had thought of it in 1994, only to discard it completely on the advise of international experts. * http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Platanista_gange\ tica.html * *Platanista gangetica* Ganges river dolphin (Also: susu) - 11/01 11:08:38.484 US/Eastern *By Jonathan Swinton and Whitney Gomez* Kingdom: Animalia<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Animali\ a.html> Phylum: Chordata<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Chordat\ a.html> Subphylum: Vertebrata<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Verte\ brata.html> Class: Mammalia<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Mammali\ a.html> Order: Cetacea<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Cetacea.\ html> Suborder: Odontoceti<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Odont\ oceti.html> Family: Platanistidae<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Pl\ atanistidae.html> Genus: Platanista<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Plata\ nista.html> Species: *Platanista gangetica* Geographic Range Limited to southern Asia, Platanista gangetica inhabits the Ganges and Indus rivers and the many associated tributaries and connected lakes. This species is restricted to freshwater. There are two subspecies: Platanista gangetica gangetica, found in Eastern India, Nepal and Bangladesh in the Ganges, Meghna, Karnaphuli, Bramaputra, and Hooghly river systems, and Platanista gangetica minor, found in Pakistan in the Indus River system. (Moreno, 2003<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Platanista_\ gangetica.html#b8472e57e0ce6288f353e4c3b11b5e8c>; Nowak, 1999<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Platanista_\ gangetica.html#c39ac483cc50303ed64e7d42bb841fa0>; Nowak, 2003<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Platanista_\ gangetica.html#48e2a4ebb39f4ae5c4f405d145b89aca> ) *Biogeographic Regions: * oriental<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/glossary/popup/2002091500134\ 8.html> <http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/glossary/popup/20020915001348.html>( native<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/glossary/popup/20020904145365.\ html> <http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/glossary/popup/20020904145365.html> ). Habitat *Elevation* 250 m (high) (820 ft) *Depth* 9 m (high); avg. 3 m (29.52 ft; avg. 9.84 ft) Ganges River dolphins occupy freshwater river systems in southern Asia. They inhabit the Ganges and Indus River systems and their many tributaries, streams, and connecting lakes. They are found in tributaries that run through the hills and lowlands in Nepal (roughly 250 meters above sea level) and sometimes in flood plains and areas of rivers with heavy currents. These river dolphins prefer areas that create eddy countercurrents, such as small islands, river bends, and convergent tributaries. Since these animals occupy a vast area of river systems, they can tolerate a wide variance of temperatures; some as cold 8 degrees Celsius to warm waters above 33 degrees Celsius (46.4F to 91.4F). They inhabit depths from 3 to 9 meters and must surface every few minutes for air. In the monsoon season, Ganges River dolphins locally migrate to tributaries and then back to larger river channels in the dry, winter season. They also move along the coast of the Bay of Bengal when monsoons flush freshwater out along the southeastern coast of India. (Moreno, 2003<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Platanista_\ gangetica.html#b8472e57e0ce6288f353e4c3b11b5e8c> ) *These animals are found in the following types of habitat: * tropical<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/glossary/popup/2002090414559\ 8.html> <http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/glossary/popup/20020904145598.html>; freshwater<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/glossary/popup/20020904145\ 747.html> <http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/glossary/popup/20020904145747.html> .. *Aquatic Biomes: * lakes and ponds; rivers and streams; coastal<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/glossary/popup/20020904145825\ ..html> <http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/glossary/popup/20020904145825.html>; brackish water<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/glossary/popup/20020904145435.h\ tml> <http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/glossary/popup/20020904145435.html> .. Physical Description *Mass* 51 to 89 kg (112.2 to 195.8 lbs) *Length* 200 to 400 cm; avg. 300 cm (78.74 to 157.48 in; avg. 118.11 in) The two subspecies of Ganges River dolphins are virtually identical in physical appearance. They are readily identified by their elongated snout, which can reach lengths of 20% of total body length. Upon sexual maturity, females develop slightly longer snouts than males. This characteristic is useful in identifying sexually mature individuals. The beak is relatively flat and becomes widest at the tip. They bend slightly upward and can reach a length of 21 cm. On both the top and lower parts of the jaw they have long, sharp teeth, which are visible even when the mouth is closed. On the upper jaw, there are between 26 and 39 teeth on each side and on the lower jaw 26 to 35 teeth on each side. The lower teeth are typically longer than the teeth on the upper jaw. With age, the teeth eventually are worn down and become flat. Unlike other dolphins, Platanista gangetica lack snout hairs. (Moreno, 2003<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Platanista_\ gangetica.html#b8472e57e0ce6288f353e4c3b11b5e8c>; Nowak, 2003<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Platanista_\ gangetica.html#48e2a4ebb39f4ae5c4f405d145b89aca>; Reeves and Brownell Jr., 1989<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Platanista_\ gangetica.html#c6baad39f0511f4a0375c2b5ead76871>; Wilson and Reeder, 2005<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Platanista_\ gangetica.html#3a1101ab098a1b7cb1db453bdba1f8cb> ) Well designed for aquatic life, Ganges River dolphins have long flippers that can be up to 18% of total body length. The tail fluke is quite large as well, reaching 46 cm or roughly a quarter of total body length. The dorsal fin resembles a fleshy hump on its back and is usually just a few centimeters in height. They are usually a grey to brown color, but may also have pink bellies and dark grey backs. Dorsal color is generally darker than ventral color. (Moreno, 2003<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Platanista_\ gangetica.html#b8472e57e0ce6288f353e4c3b11b5e8c>; Nowak, 2003<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Platanista_\ gangetica.html#48e2a4ebb39f4ae5c4f405d145b89aca>; Reeves and Brownell Jr., 1989<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Platanista_\ gangetica.html#c6baad39f0511f4a0375c2b5ead76871>; Wilson and Reeder, 2005<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Platanista_\ gangetica.html#3a1101ab098a1b7cb1db453bdba1f8cb> ) The skull is highly asymmetrical and has a distinctly steep forehead and a longitudinal ridge. These river dolphins are unique in having long necks with unfused vertebrae. This makes them able to turn their heads from side to side with great flexibility. Ganges River dolphins are sometimes referred to as " blind river dolphins " since their eyes are extremely tiny and lack a lens. These animals are not reliant on vision as a primary sensory system, but the eye is thought to function as a light detector. Slightly larger than the eye and positioned just below it are the external ears. The blowhole is longitudinally positioned, which is unique in comparison to the horizontally positioned blowholes in most other toothed whales<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Odontocet\ i.html>. Ganges River dolphins characteristically have several folds of skin that form a wattle. The exact function or purpose of this ornamentation is unknown. (Moreno, 2003<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Platanista_\ gangetica.html#b8472e57e0ce6288f353e4c3b11b5e8c>; Nowak, 2003<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Platanista_\ gangetica.html#48e2a4ebb39f4ae5c4f405d145b89aca>; Reeves and Brownell Jr., 1989<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Platanista_\ gangetica.html#c6baad39f0511f4a0375c2b5ead76871>; Wilson and Reeder, 2005<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Platanista_\ gangetica.html#3a1101ab098a1b7cb1db453bdba1f8cb> ) Upon sexual maturity, females tend to be larger than males in overall body size and snout length. Unofficial records have adult females measuring 400 cm, but the average adult rarely exceeds 300 cm in length. At birth, young average 70 cm in length. Typical adult weights are between 51 and 89 kg. (Moreno, 2003<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Platanista_\ gangetica.html#b8472e57e0ce6288f353e4c3b11b5e8c>; Nowak, 2003<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Platanista_\ gangetica.html#48e2a4ebb39f4ae5c4f405d145b89aca>; Reeves and Brownell Jr., 1989<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Platanista_\ gangetica.html#c6baad39f0511f4a0375c2b5ead76871>; Wilson and Reeder, 2005<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Platanista_\ gangetica.html#3a1101ab098a1b7cb1db453bdba1f8cb> ) *Some key physical features: * endothermic<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/glossary/popup/2002091613\ 0951.html> <http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/glossary/popup/20020916130951.html>; homoiothermic; bilateral symmetry<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/glossary/popup/2002090414564\ 2.html> <http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/glossary/popup/20020904145642.html> .. *Sexual dimorphism: *<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/glossary/popup/20020914200808.html>\ <http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/glossary/popup/20020914200808.html>f\ emale larger, ornamentation<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/glossary/popup/20020914\ 195519.html> <http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/glossary/popup/20020914195519.html> .. Reproduction *Breeding interval* Breeding interval in Ganges River dolphins are not known. *Breeding season* Breeding occurs at all times of the year, although most breeding occurs from October to March. *Number of offspring* 1 to 1; avg. 1 *Gestation period* 8 to 12 months; avg. 10 months *Time to weaning* 2 to 12 months; avg. 8 months *Time to independence* 12 months (average) *Age at sexual or reproductive maturity (female)* 10 years (average) *Age at sexual or reproductive maturity (male)* 10 years (average) Not much is known about mating systems in Ganges River dolphins. Further studies must be done to provide information regarding their mating behavior. They breed year round. Difficulty studying these species can in part be attributed to environmental conditions in their habitat due to the monsoon season. In addition the political and socioeconomic state of the area where these dolphins are found is not conducive to research. (Moreno, 2003<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Platanista_\ gangetica.html#b8472e57e0ce6288f353e4c3b11b5e8c>; Reeves et al., 2002<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Platanista_\ gangetica.html#74b65ad91e647ce743f7a053434ff00e> ) Breeding in Platanista gangetica occurs year round, as does birthing. Most births are from October to March, with a peak in December and January, preceding the beginning of the dry season. Gestation is typically about 10 months but can be from 8 to 12 months. Ganges river dolphins bear a single offspring from 70 to 90 cm long. Weaning can begin as early as 2 months or as late as 12 months, typical time to weaning is at 9 months old. Once offspring have been weaned, they disperse and become independent. Males and females typically reach sexual maturity at 10 years of age, although growth continues into their 20's. (Jefferson, Webber, and Pitman, 2008<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Platanista_\ gangetica.html#9fe5d0974b6f413076ab34fec1f479df>; Moreno, 2003<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Platanista_\ gangetica.html#b8472e57e0ce6288f353e4c3b11b5e8c>; Nowak, 2003<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Platanista_\ gangetica.html#48e2a4ebb39f4ae5c4f405d145b89aca>; Reeves et al., 2002<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Platanista_\ gangetica.html#74b65ad91e647ce743f7a053434ff00e> ) *Key reproductive features: * iteroparous<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/glossary/popup/2002090414\ 5554.html> <http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/glossary/popup/20020904145554.html>; year-round breeding<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/glossary/popup/2002090414569\ 8.html> <http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/glossary/popup/20020904145698.html>; gonochoric/gonochoristic/dioecious (sexes separate); sexual<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/glossary/popup/20020904145786.\ html> <http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/glossary/popup/20020904145786.html>; viviparous<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/glossary/popup/20020904145\ 695.html> <http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/glossary/popup/20020904145695.html> .. The main form of parental care in Platanista gangetica, besides gestation, is provisioning in the form of lactation until weaning. Offspring are weaned no later than 1 year old. Once weaning occurs both male and female offspring disperse. Platanista gangetica are solitary animals so, upon leaving, the offspring is entirely on its own. (MacDonald and Norris, 2001<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Platanista_\ gangetica.html#994be4994c4f0fc28284584ad4893e04> ) *Parental investment: * pre-fertilization (provisioning, protecting: female); pre-hatching/birth (provisioning: female, protecting: female); pre-weaning/fledging (provisioning: female, protecting: female). Lifespan/Longevity *Extreme lifespan (wild)* 28 years (high) *Average lifespan (wild)* 20 years Very little is known about the lifespan and longevity of Ganges River dolphins. Few specimens have been observed for the entirety of their lives, but a handful of estimates exist. The oldest male on record lived to be 28 years of age, while the oldest female reached 17.5 years of age. Based on crude estimates, dolphins reaching 18 to 22 years of age may not be uncommon. Few successful efforts have brought Platanista gangeticaindividuals into captivity for study.(Reeves and Brownell Jr., 1989<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Platanista_\ gangetica.html#c6baad39f0511f4a0375c2b5ead76871> ) Behavior *Territory Size* Unknown km^2 (average) Ganges River dolphins are solitary animals but they occasionally congregate in groups of 3 to 10 individuals. Groups of up to 30 animals have been reported. Mothers and calves stay together until the infants are weaned. Despite their mostly solitary nature, these river dolphins are found in loose aggregations, especially at tributary junctions where prey congregate. Some consider Ganges River dolphins semi-gregarious. There are some indications of territoriality, as chasing behaviors in males have been observed. Generally, these animals are shy towards humans, even in captivity. Their elusive nature has made them difficult subjects to study. (Moreno, 2003<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Platanista_\ gangetica.html#b8472e57e0ce6288f353e4c3b11b5e8c>; Nowak, 2003<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Platanista_\ gangetica.html#48e2a4ebb39f4ae5c4f405d145b89aca>; Perrin, Wursig, and Thewissen, 2002<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Platanista_\ gangetica.html#7fe27f38f295ea6851e52a093ae3f106>; Reeves and Brownell Jr., 1989<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Platanista_\ gangetica.html#c6baad39f0511f4a0375c2b5ead76871> ) Ganges River dolphins have a peculiar method of swimming, in that they swim on their sides when submerged. At roughly a 10 degree angle, they swim a few centimeters from the bottom, constantly nodding the head, allowing it to sweep the bottom in search of food. For unknown reasons, most individuals swim on their right sides. Side swimming also positions their eye at an angle appropriate to sensing light, perhaps providing orientation for the animal while diving. Their tails are always positioned higher than the head in side swimming, allowing them to swim in water as shallow as 30 cm. When they surface for air, they level out and swim laterally. In captivity, measured swimming speed reached 5.4 km/hr, but this may not be representative of possible speeds in the wild, where habitats are more open. They have been recorded swimming upwards of 27 km/hr in the wild. Captive animals swim and vocalize continuously over a 24 hour period, with only brief interruptions lasting a few seconds. When swimming intensity relaxed, for example in drifting locomotion, the intensity of vocalizations emitted also relaxed. Dives are typically short, the longest wild dive was 3 minutes. Average dive times in the wild are between 1 minute 10 seconds and 1 minute 40 seconds. Dives in captivity are shorter than wild dive times, with the longest being 1 minute and 35 seconds. In many cetaceans<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Cetace\ a.html>, myoglobin concentrations are generally high to cope with the stress of diving, but due to their relatively shallow river habitats and short dive periods, myoglobin concentrations in heart and muscle tissues are considerably lower. Home Range Little is known about home range sizes in Platanista gangetica. Aerial and shoreline observations have proven inadequate at determining the given range of an individual. These animals travel extensively throughout river ecosystems, moving from mainland channels to coastlines and tributaries as the seasons change. (Moreno, 2003<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Platanista_\ gangetica.html#b8472e57e0ce6288f353e4c3b11b5e8c>; Perrin, Wursig, and Thewissen, 2002<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Platanista_\ gangetica.html#7fe27f38f295ea6851e52a093ae3f106>; Reeves and Brownell Jr., 1989<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Platanista_\ gangetica.html#c6baad39f0511f4a0375c2b5ead76871> ) *Key behaviors: * natatorial<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/glossary/popup/20020914213\ 156.html> <http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/glossary/popup/20020914213156.html>; diurnal<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/glossary/popup/20020904145414\ ..html> <http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/glossary/popup/20020904145414.html>; nocturnal<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/glossary/popup/200209041455\ 03.html> <http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/glossary/popup/20020904145503.html>; motile<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/glossary/popup/20020904145472.\ html> <http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/glossary/popup/20020904145472.html>; nomadic<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/glossary/popup/20020904145569\ ..html> <http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/glossary/popup/20020904145569.html>; migratory<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/glossary/popup/200209041453\ 13.html> <http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/glossary/popup/20020904145313.html>; solitary<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/glossary/popup/2002090414538\ 1.html> <http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/glossary/popup/20020904145381.html>; territorial<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/glossary/popup/2002090414\ 5597.html> <http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/glossary/popup/20020904145597.html> .. Communication and Perception Ganges River dolphins have poor vision. They lack lenses in their eyes, making it impossible for them to resolve images, they are likely to only be able to detect the presence or absence of light. Ganges River dolphins have highly developed sonar systems. They use pulse sounds not whistles to navigate. This allows them to perceive objects, specifically prey, in murky water. Over a 24-hour period there is almost always a constant emission of sound, 87% of these sounds are clicks for echolocation, the remaining sounds are sounds used in communication. There have not been enough studies to determine what the significance is of these communicative sounds. (MacDonald and Norris, 2001<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Platanista_\ gangetica.html#994be4994c4f0fc28284584ad4893e04>; Moreno, 2003<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Platanista_\ gangetica.html#b8472e57e0ce6288f353e4c3b11b5e8c>; Nowak, 2003<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Platanista_\ gangetica.html#48e2a4ebb39f4ae5c4f405d145b89aca>; Reeves and Brownell Jr., 1989<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Platanista_\ gangetica.html#c6baad39f0511f4a0375c2b5ead76871> ) *Communicates with: * tactile<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/glossary/popup/20020904145500\ ..html> <http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/glossary/popup/20020904145500.html>; acoustic<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/glossary/popup/2002090414582\ 2.html> <http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/glossary/popup/20020904145822.html> .. *Perception channels: * visual<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/glossary/popup/20020904145694.\ html> <http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/glossary/popup/20020904145694.html>; tactile<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/glossary/popup/20020904145500\ ..html> <http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/glossary/popup/20020904145500.html>; acoustic<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/glossary/popup/2002090414582\ 2.html> <http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/glossary/popup/20020904145822.html>; ultrasound<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/glossary/popup/20020904145\ 686.html> <http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/glossary/popup/20020904145686.html>; echolocation<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/glossary/popup/200209041\ 45531.html> <http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/glossary/popup/20020904145531.html>; chemical<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/glossary/popup/2002090414560\ 6.html> <http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/glossary/popup/20020904145606.html> .. Food Habits Ganges River dolphins are top predators in their river ecosystems. Side swimming and a flexible neck allow them to search river bottoms to stir up hiding prey. Their formidable speed and ability to swim in shallow water allows them to chase and herd schools of fish. They feed on a variety of aquatic animals. Their physical appearance demonstrates how well equipped they are to catch fish and crustaceans. They are strictly carnivorous, although some vegetation has been found in their stomachs, most likely as a result of messy foraging in the river bed or left over plant remains inside the fish the dolphins have consumed. Their teeth and long snouts are designed to catch and hold fish. They have been observed shaking prey in their jaws and manipulating it to be swallowed head first so that the scales on the fish do not move against the animals throat. As these dolphins do not use vision as a sensory system to catch prey, they rely on echolocation to find food hidden in the mud and river bottom. Once prey are located, they grab it with their long snouts. (Reeves and Brownell Jr., 1989<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Platanista_\ gangetica.html#c6baad39f0511f4a0375c2b5ead76871> ) In the Indus river, catfish (Wallago attu, Macrones aor) and carp (Catla buchanani) make up a majority of the Ganges River dolphin's diet. Other fish, such as a gobies (Glossogobius giuris), herring (Clupea telara), and freshwater sharks (Saccobranchus fossilis) are frequently taken. In addition to freshwater fish, crustaceans such as prawn (Palaemon and Penaeus<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Penaeus.\ html>) and mollusks, such as Indonia coerulea, are eaten. (Reeves and Brownell Jr., 1989<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Platanista_\ gangetica.html#c6baad39f0511f4a0375c2b5ead76871> ) *Primary Diet: * carnivore<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/glossary/popup/200209041454\ 19.html> <http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/glossary/popup/20020904145419.html>( piscivore<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/glossary/popup/200209041458\ 38.html> <http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/glossary/popup/20020904145838.html> ). *Animal Foods: * fish; mollusks; aquatic crustaceans. Predation *Known predators* - humans (Homo sapiens<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Homo_sap\ iens.html> ) Other than humans, there are no known natural predators of Ganges River dolphins. Humans have exploited these animals for oil, meat, and as bait for catching catfish. Otherwise, they are typically considered the top predator in their river ecosystems. (Perrin, Wursig, and Thewissen, 2002<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Platanista_\ gangetica.html#7fe27f38f295ea6851e52a093ae3f106> ) *Anti-predator adaptations:: * cryptic<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/glossary/popup/20020913232730\ ..html> <http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/glossary/popup/20020913232730.html> .. Ecosystem Roles Ganges River dolphins are top predators in their river ecosystems. They are important in controlling and maintaining healthy fish and crustacean populations, their primary sources of food. Unfortunately, these river dolphins are experiencing the adverse effects of human environmental impacts and are highly endangered. While little is known about parasites that use Platanista gangetica as a host, there are reports of Cyclorchis campula, Echinochasumus andersoni, Anisakis simplex<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Anisakis\ _simplex.html>, and Contracaecum lobulatum parasitizing these dolphins. (Moreno, 2003<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Platanista_\ gangetica.html#b8472e57e0ce6288f353e4c3b11b5e8c>; Reeves and Brownell Jr., 1989<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Platanista_\ gangetica.html#c6baad39f0511f4a0375c2b5ead76871> ) *Commensal or parasitic species (or larger taxonomic groups) that use this species as a host* - Cyclorchis campula - Echinochasumus andersoni - Anisakis simplex<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Anisakis\ _simplex.html> - Contracaecum lobulatum Economic Importance for Humans: Negative There are no known adverse effects of Platanista gangetica on humans. Economic Importance for Humans: Positive Ganges River dolphins have historically been important as a source of oil and meat. The oil is used or as an ingredient in traditional medicines. The oil can be used to lure a specific species of catfish. The meat is used as bait to attract fish. However, dolphin meat does not attract fish any more than other fish scraps, so local fishermen must be educated to use other fish scraps due to the endangered status of Ganges River dolphins. Many top predators, including Platanista gangetica, serve as key indicators of water and environmental quality. In recent decades, due to heightened awareness of human impact on these freshwater ecosystems, many researchers are beginning to understand how extreme the pollution and toxin build up in these river systems has become. (MacDonald and Norris, 2001<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Platanista_\ gangetica.html#994be4994c4f0fc28284584ad4893e04>; Moreno, 2003<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Platanista_\ gangetica.html#b8472e57e0ce6288f353e4c3b11b5e8c> ) *Ways that people benefit from these animals: * food<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/glossary/popup/20020904145418.ht\ ml> <http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/glossary/popup/20020904145418.html>; body parts are source of valuable material; source of medicine or drug<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/glossary/popup/20020904145447.ht\ ml> <http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/glossary/popup/20020904145447.html> .. Conservation Status *IUCN Red List: [link] <http://redlist.org/static/categories_criteria_3_1>: * Endangered. *US Federal List: [link] <http://www.fws.gov/endangered/>: * Endangered. *CITES: [link] <http://www.cites.org/eng/app/appendices.shtml>: * Appendix I. Ganges River dolphins are among the most endangered of all cetaceans<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Cetace\ a.html>. With rising human populations in Southern Asia, the natural habitat of Ganges River dolphins has been extensively modified and degraded. Agricultural and industrial discharges are polluting the river systems in which these dolphins live and feed. In certain populations, the accumulation of heavy metals and organochlorides is posing serious health risks to the animals. In addition, dangerously high levels of arsenic in the water is a serious health threat to every animal using the water system, including Ganges River dolphins. Human modifications to river systems are also impacting the habitat of the dolphins. Over fifty dams affect populations of Ganges River dolphins, cutting populations off from one another. Dams have caused the gene pools of Ganges River dolphins to shrink, which could pose detrimental effects in future generations. Some engineering efforts are underway to construct channels around dams for aquatic wildlife, including dolphins. Ganges River dolphins are becoming more and more restricted to a smaller range. In Pakistan, a few hundred river dolphins are restricted to roughly 1200 square kilometers of water. Many local peoples regard these dolphins as a source of meat, oil and bait. Hunting has certainly impacted the numbers of dolphins in the Ganges and Indus river systems. Also, Ganges River dolphins are caught and drowned in fishing lines and nets, causing considerable fatalities. Bull sharks<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Carcharhi\ nus_leucas.html>that make their way into South Asian river systems are known to attack waders and fishermen and are highly aggressive. Many of these attacks on local peoples are wrongly blamed on Ganges River dolphins. While it is highly unlikely these dolphins would ever attack a human, their similar size and color to bull sharks<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Carcharhi\ nus_leucas.html>results in their persecution by local peoples.(Kannan et al., 1993<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Platanista_\ gangetica.html#2497bbfb1b67ad2fe37eac8c2c8a7366>; Perrin, Wursig, and Thewissen, 2002<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Platanista_\ gangetica.html#7fe27f38f295ea6851e52a093ae3f106>; Reeves and Leatherwood, 1994<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Platanista_\ gangetica.html#3a7791845ef611008146b10fe9ac05ea> ) For More Information Find Platanista gangetica information at - Encyclopedia of Life <http://www.eol.org/pages/328477> Contributors Jonathan Swinton (author), University of Michigan. Whitney Gomez (author), University of Michigan. Phil Myers (editor, instructor), Museum of Zoology, University of Michigan. Tanya Dewey (editor), Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology. References Jefferson, T., M. Webber, R. Pitman. 2008. Marine Mammals of the World: A Comprehensive Guide to their Identification. San Diego, CA: Academic Press. Kannan, K., R. Sinha, S. Tanabe, H. Ichihashi, R. Tatsukawa. 1993. Heavy Metals and Organochloride Residues in Ganges River Dolphins from India. Marine Pollution Bulletin MPNBA, 26: 159-162. MacDonald, D., S. Norris. 2001. The New Encyclopedia of Mammals, Vol. 1, 1st Edition. New York: Oxford University Press. Moreno, P. 2003. Ganges and Indus Dolphins. Pp. 13-17 in M. Hutchins, D. Kleiman, V. Geist, J.B. Murphy, D.A. Thoney, eds. Grzimek's Animal Life Encyclopedia, Vol. 15, 2 Edition. Farmington Hills: Gale Group. Nowak, R. 1999. Walker's Mammals of the World, Vol. 2, 6 Edition. Baltimore: The Johns Hopkins University Press. Nowak, R. 2003. Ganges and Indus Dolphins, or Susus. Pp. 128-130 in Walker's Marine Mammals of the World, Vol. 2, 1st Edition. Baltimore, MD: The Johns Hopkins Univesity Press. Perrin, W., B. Wursig, J. Thewissen. 2002. Encyclopedia of Marine Mammals, Vol. 1, 1 Edition. New York: Academic Press. Reeves, R., R. Brownell Jr.. 1989. Susu. Pp. 69-99 in S. Ridgway, S. Harrison, eds. Handbook of Marine Mammals, Vol. 4, 1 Edition. London: Academic Press. Reeves, R., S. Leatherwood. 1994. Dams and River Dolphins: Can They Coexist?. Ambio, 23: 172-175. Reeves, R., B. Stewart, P. Clapham, J. Powell. 2002. Sea Mammals of the World. New York: Chanticleer Press, Inc.. Wilson, D., D. Reeder. 2005. Mammal Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference, Vol. 1, 1 Edition. Baltimore: The Johns Hopkins University Press. 2009/11/01 11:08:40.703 US/Eastern To cite this page: Swinton, J., W. Gomez and P. Myers. 2009. " Platanista gangetica " (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed November 08, 2009 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Platanista_gange\ tica.html. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 10, 2009 Report Share Posted November 10, 2009 Today I found a bit more on file pertaining to Maneka Gandhi opposing dolphin captivity. In 1994 a plan for building a dolphinarium was advanced in Motijheel, Bengal, reportedly with government support. However, Maneka opposed it. I don't think there was any other organized opposition. The last I heard of it was a short summary of the failed project that was published in The Statesman of March 21, 2002, which did not mention Maneka: ------------ Hyacinth chokes 'park' for dolphins by Asim Pramanik in Motijheel in Murshidabad Motijheel gained fame under the Nawabs of Murshidabad who encouraged the cultivation of pearls there. Now, however, it is not pearls but a stalled dolphin park project that residents are talking about. In a bid to boost tourism, the government mooted the idea of the park in 1994. Dolphins were to be brought from other counties and a huge park was to be set up along the banks of the lake which would offer boating facilities. But nothing has been done and the number of tourists has dwindled steadily. Only migratory birds frequent the lake throughout the year which is choked with hyacinth and weeds. The many rounds of talks between the zilla sabhapati and the Kajarias, a business house, for investing money in the project has been all but forgotten. Presently about 250 acres of land around the lake have been leased out for farming. The land on which Ghasiti Begum's palace stood is being used for tamarind cultivation. " Lalbag residents have always been vocal about their desire for beautifying Motijheel. The famous Motijheel mosque at the entrance of the lake needs repair immediately, " Mr. AR Khan, chairman of the urban development committee in Lalbag, said. Mr. Monoj Panth, DM, said: " The judicial department has consented to the beautification project, which will include a park and cottages for guests. The Murshidabad zilla parishad and the tourism department will be in charge of the project. " -- Merritt Clifton Editor, ANIMAL PEOPLE P.O. Box 960 Clinton, WA 98236 Telephone: 360-579-2505 Fax: 360-579-2575 E-mail: anmlpepl Web: www.animalpeoplenews.org [ANIMAL PEOPLE is the leading independent newspaper providing original investigative coverage of animal protection worldwide, founded in 1992. Our readership of 30,000-plus includes the decision-makers at more than 10,000 animal protection organizations. We have no alignment or affiliation with any other entity. $24/year; for free sample, send address.] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 10, 2009 Report Share Posted November 10, 2009 This is William Johnson writing about Pilleri's Gangetic Dolphins in 'The Rose Tinted Menagerie' in 2007(Link here : http://www.iridescent-publishing.com/rtm/ch5p7.htm ) : " But what of Prof. Giorgio Pilleri's allegations against the dolphin industry? " He is the worst of all! " Gasser exclaimed heatedly. " He had a tiny pool in the cellar, no filtration, no daylight - the poor animals, Ganges dolphins - didn't get any light and every month one died. They were swimming around in their own shit, and he even implanted cables in their brains. And now he starts to complain about us, but it was him who lost the dolphins! " (Chapter : The Global Industry) I fear the animals in Japan might have been similarly experimented upon. It is interesting Gasser says Pilleri had more than one dolphin, an assertion that goes against what Mr R K Sinha told me. The Science Today article also mentioned more than one animal. I think these records have been lost or destroyed, for obvious reasons. On Tue, Nov 10, 2009 at 7:12 AM, Merritt Clifton <anmlpeplwrote: > Today I found a bit more on file pertaining to Maneka Gandhi > opposing dolphin captivity. > > In 1994 a plan for building a dolphinarium was advanced in > Motijheel, Bengal, reportedly with government support. > > However, Maneka opposed it. I don't think there was any other > organized opposition. The last I heard of it was a short summary of the > failed project that was published in The Statesman of March 21, 2002, > which did not mention Maneka: > > > ------------ > > > Hyacinth chokes 'park' for dolphins > by Asim Pramanik in Motijheel in Murshidabad > > Motijheel gained fame under the Nawabs of Murshidabad who encouraged the > cultivation of pearls there. Now, however, it is not pearls but a stalled > dolphin park project that residents are talking about. > > In a bid to boost tourism, the government mooted the idea of the park in > 1994. Dolphins were to be brought from other counties and a huge park was > to be set up along the banks of the lake which would offer boating > facilities. But nothing has been done and the number of tourists has > dwindled steadily. Only migratory birds frequent the lake throughout the > year which is choked with hyacinth and weeds. > > > The many rounds of talks between the zilla sabhapati and the Kajarias, a > business house, for investing money in the project has been all but > forgotten. Presently about 250 acres of land around the lake have been > leased out for farming. The land on which Ghasiti Begum's palace stood is > being used for tamarind cultivation. > > " Lalbag residents have always been vocal about their desire for beautifying > Motijheel. The famous Motijheel mosque at the entrance of the lake needs > repair immediately, " Mr. AR Khan, chairman of the urban development > committee in Lalbag, said. > > Mr. Monoj Panth, DM, said: " The judicial department has consented to the > beautification project, which will include a park and cottages for guests. > The Murshidabad zilla parishad and the tourism department will be in charge > of the project. " > > > -- > Merritt Clifton > Editor, ANIMAL PEOPLE > P.O. Box 960 > Clinton, WA 98236 > > Telephone: 360-579-2505 > Fax: 360-579-2575 > E-mail: anmlpepl > Web: www.animalpeoplenews.org > > [ANIMAL PEOPLE is the leading independent newspaper providing original > investigative coverage of animal protection worldwide, founded in 1992. Our > readership of 30,000-plus includes the decision-makers at more than 10,000 > animal protection organizations. We have no alignment or affiliation with > any other entity. $24/year; for free sample, send address.] > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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