Habitat Loss: A Continuing Challenge for the Recovering Indus River Dolphin

River dolphins are among the world's rarest and most endangered marine mammals (Waqas et al. 2012). One such species, the Indus River Dolphin “Platanista minor,” locally known as “Bhulan” or “Blind Fish,” is endemic to the Indus River in Pakistan and a small part of India. With fewer than two thousand individuals, it is one of the only four river dolphins that spend their entire lives in freshwater (WWF 2022a). Tragically, the Indus River Dolphin is the second most extinction-prone dolphin species globally (Reeves et al. 2000) and is also included in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (CITES 2024; IUCN 2022).

To protect this unique species from extinction, the government of Pakistan has implemented several initiatives, particularly involving indigenous communities. With the support of WWF (World Wildlife Fund) Pakistan, various awareness campaigns and capacity-building sessions have been organized for the public. The government has also imposed a strict ban on hunting and established several protected areas, such as the Indus Dolphin Game Reserve in the Sindh province, where the species can thrive. As a result, significant progress has been made in protecting the dolphins and even reversing their population decline (Scientia Magazine 2019).

Despite this glimmer of hope, the Indus River Dolphin remains highly vulnerable to the looming threats with the burgeoning demands for food, water, and electricity from the entire country, pushing this species closer to extinction. Additionally, the extensive construction of dams and barrages has fragmented and degraded its natural habitat (Braulik et al. 2021). As a result, the current habitat has shrunk (Ibid) to just 410 miles, a drastic decline from its historical range that once stretched from the Himalayan mountains to the Arabian Sea (National Geographic 2020). Confinement within such a narrow range poses a significant risk to the species' survival. Moreover, threats such as poaching, entanglement in fishing nets, trapping in extensive irrigation canals, and the discharge of untreated sewage as well as agricultural and industrial waste also endanger this species (Braulik et al. 2015). Climate change further exacerbates these risks through increases in temperature, variations in river flows, and frequent occurrences of extreme weather events (Mongabay 2024).

Successful conservation requires a holistic approach integrating various management strategies and prioritizing the engagement of key stakeholders (Challender et al. 2024). To protect the biodiversity of the Indus River, it is essential to implement stringent policies that limit human activities both along the riverbank and within the water itself. For those reliant on fishing, alternative sources of food and income are crucial. Research elsewhere indicates that nearly 75% of Hong Kong fishermen would pursue alternative income opportunities if offered adequate compensation (Teh et al. 2008). Similarly, studies in Ghana suggest that alternative livelihoods can effectively alleviate fishing pressure (Asiedu and Nunoo 2013).

Meanwhile, the number of monitoring observers should be increased to enhance the protection of this imperiled species. In addition to traditional monitoring and surveillance strategies, modern tools such as Automatic Identification Systems, Vessel Monitoring Systems, and Electronic Monitoring Systems should be employed (Cremers et al. 2020). Furthermore, it is essential to provide adequate logistics to the rangers and the rescue teams who actively monitor the region for illegal poaching and dredging activities. The use of signaling devices and sensors can significantly enhance monitoring and rescue operations during emergencies. For instance, electronic devices, like pingers in Indonesia, have been proven highly effective in deterring dolphins from getting entangled in nets (WWF 2021). Similarly, the passive acoustic monitoring system installed in the Mediterranean Sea can detect bottlenose dolphins in real time, showcasing the effectiveness of such devices in conservation (Brunoldi et al. 2016). Recent satellite tagging of the dolphins in Pakistan is a significant advancement, expected to provide crucial insights into this unique mammal (WWF 2022b).

Carefully relocating dolphins, especially those trapped in irrigation canals (Nabi et al. 2021; Figure 1) upstream of the Indus River, could enhance their chances of survival. Valuable lessons can be learned from China's successful relocation of finless porpoises from the Yangtze River to safer ecosystems, where they are thriving now (WWF 2015). However, any proposed translocations must be thoroughly researched and meticulously planned before implementation (Braulik et al. 2015). It is essential to engage expertise in the translocation process and to assess the safety of the receiving ecosystem (Braulik et al. 2024) to avoid further endangering the species. This precaution is critical, given that there have already been reports of deaths during capture or transportation (Singh et al. 2023). Furthermore, reversing population decline can be strengthened through scientific research, comprehensive monitoring, community awareness and involvement, and enhanced collaboration among various stakeholders.

Farooq Shah and Mingyang Chen conceptualized and drafted the original manuscript. Wei Wu and Jianhong Sun drafted, reviewed and edited the manuscript.

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.