description Indus River Dolphin Overview
The Indus River dolphin (Platanista minor) is an endangered freshwater cetacean endemic to the Indus River basin in Pakistan. It is one of the few river dolphin species in the world, adapted to navigating murky, sediment-heavy waters. Because the species is functionally blind, lacking a crystalline lens, it relies entirely on echolocation to hunt prey like prawns and small fish. Recognized as the national marine mammal of Pakistan, its population is currently fragmented by irrigation dams.
help Indus River Dolphin FAQ
Where does the Indus River dolphin live?
Platanista minor is endemic to the Indus River basin in Pakistan. It survives in a fragmented freshwater system rather than in the open sea.
Why is the Indus River dolphin called functionally blind?
Its eyes are greatly reduced and provide little useful vision in the sediment-heavy water of the Indus. It navigates and hunts mainly through echolocation and other senses.
How does the Indus River dolphin find prey in muddy water?
It uses echolocation to detect objects where visibility is extremely poor. This adaptation is important in the murky, sediment-rich channels of the Indus River basin.
How is the Indus River dolphin related to the Ganges river dolphin?
Both are river dolphins in the genus Platanista, but the Indus River dolphin is classified as Platanista minor. The Ganges river dolphin is associated with the Ganges and Brahmaputra river systems.
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