🌱 Environment & EcologyUPSC 2015Sustainable Development

Which one of the following is the national aquatic animal of India?

aSaltwater crocodile
bOlive ridley turtle
cGangetic dolphin
dGharial
✓ Correct answer: c) Gangetic dolphin
ExplanationThe Gangetic Dolphin (Platanista gangeticus) is India's National Aquatic Animal.It is native to the Ganges-Brahmapu- tra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu river systems, which span Ne- pal, India, and Bangladesh.Endemic to the Indian subcontinent, the Gangetic dolphin be- longs to the Platanistidae family and is one of only four freshwa- ter dolphin species globally.Recognized by its triangular dorsal fin and long, slender beak, this stocky, gray or brown dolphin can grow up to 2.5 meters.Adapted to murky freshwater environ- ments, it uses echolocation to navigate and is locally known as ‘susu.’ 219

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