Speak up for species and places through WWF's Action Center. In order to communicate with one another these dolphins use a series of clicks and whistles and each dolphin produces a unique frequency allowing one dolphin to determine who is speaking in the group. Dolphins below a dam are threatened by heavy pollution, increased fishing activities and vessel traffic. WHAT ARE WE DOING and … Ganges River Dolphin The large majority of dolphins live in saltwater marine habitats. It is estimated that female dolphins give birth to a single offspring once every two to three years and have an average lifespan of 20 – 30 years. In a 2005 survey in the same river stretch by the same investigating group a best estimate of 250 dolphins was recorded. Survey segments (S1, S2 and S3) represent the historically and presently occupied potential habitat of the Ganges River dolphins. During the monsoon season, they are known to migrate upstream to smaller tributaries of the main river system which are generally inaccessible throughout the rest of the year when water levels are too low. As the top predator, river dolphins have been known to have high levels of persistent toxic chemicals in their bodies, which is likely to adversely affect their health. The Ganges river dolphin can only live in freshwater and is essentially blind. The Ganges river dolphins have two pectoral fins to steer with a very small dorsal fin on top that actually resembles more of a hump or crest than an actual fin. In order to try to aid in the re-population of the Ganges river dolphin species some species have been held in captivity where they can be raised in an environment where they face very little threat, however even with these efforts it may not be enough to help these dolphins repopulate. The Ganges River Dolphin or the Plantanista gangetica, is classified as Endangered (EN) by IUCN-the World Conservation Union Red List, whilst listed on Appendix I of the CITES. Dolphins are one of the oldest creatures in the world along with some species of turtles, crocodiles and sharks. At full maturity the female river dolphin will grow to be larger than their male counterparts. South Asian river dolphins share their river habitats with crocodiles (gharials), freshwater turtles and wetland birds. The Ganges river dolphin makes up one of two subspecies of dolphin within their group. Also known as the boto or pink river dolphin, the Amazon River dolphin swims throughout much of the famed South American river basin and the neighboring Orinoco river basin that stretches through Colombia and Venezuela. The Ganges river dolphin (also known as the south Asian river dolphin or Susu) is a freshwater dolphin that can be found swimming in the Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers of south Asia. This makes them susceptible to inbreeding and more vulnerable to other threats because they cannot move to new areas. Its flippers are especially broad and its beak is long and narrow, with many sharp teeth. World Wildlife Fund Inc. is a nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization (tax ID number 52-1693387) under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Habitat and Features While these are named after the River Ganges, these grey-brown freshwater dolphins are found in the entire region, including in Bangladesh and Nepal, in the Ganga, Meghna, and the Brahmaputra rivers. ‘Susu’ shares its habitat with crocodiles, freshwater turtles and wetland birds, many of which are fish eaters and are potential competitors with dolphins. The preferred habitat of the Ganges river dolphins is in the same locations as fishing grounds in the middle Ganges. They are a subspecies of the … WWF works to reduce habitat degradation caused by dams, irrigation canals, and water withdrawals. 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