UPSC Prelims 2015 Q25: Environment & Ecology – Biodiversity & Conservation
Which one of the following is the national aquatic animal of India?
- (a) Saltwater crocodile
- (b) Olive ridley turtle
- (c) Gangetic dolphin
- (d) Gharial
Answer: (c) Gangetic dolphin
Explanation
National aquatic animal of India
The Gangetic dolphin (Platanista gangetica) was declared the national aquatic animal in 2009.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Ganga, Brahmaputra and their tributaries; fresh water only |
| Sight | Nearly blind; finds its way by echolocation |
| Local name | Susu |
| IUCN status | Endangered |
| Protection | Schedule I; Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary in Bihar |
| Programme | Project Dolphin, announced in 2020 |
The other options:
| Animal | Status |
|---|---|
| Saltwater crocodile | Found in Bhitarkanika and the Sundarbans |
| Olive ridley turtle | Mass nesting at Gahirmatha, Odisha |
| Gharial | Critically Endangered; Chambal river |
Answer: (c) Gangetic dolphin.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. The saltwater crocodile is not the national aquatic animal.
- (b) Incorrect. The Olive ridley turtle is famous for mass nesting, but holds no such title.
- (c) CORRECT. The Gangetic dolphin is the national aquatic animal of India.
- (d) Incorrect. The gharial is a river reptile, not the national aquatic animal.
Key point
Gangetic dolphin: national aquatic animal (2009); nearly blind, uses echolocation; Endangered; Schedule I; Vikramshila sanctuary; Project Dolphin.
Remember
National aquatic animal = Gangetic dolphin.
Common mistakes
- Choosing the gharial, another flagship river species.
- Thinking the Gangetic dolphin lives in the sea; it is a freshwater dolphin.
- Forgetting that its presence shows a healthy river.
Exam tip
National animal: tiger. National aquatic animal: Gangetic dolphin. National heritage animal: elephant.
Sources
- Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change — Notification of the Gangetic Dolphin as National Aquatic Animal (2010)
- Ministry of Jal Shakti — National Mission for Clean Ganga: Dolphin conservation