Other than poaching, what are the possible reasons for the decline in the population of Ganges River Dolphins? 1. Construction of dams and barrages on rivers 2. An increase in the population of crocodiles in rivers 3. Getting trapped in fishing nets accidentally 4. Use of synthetic fertilisers and other agricultural chemicals in crop-fields in the vicinity of rivers. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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YESPYQ · Accepted Answer

Correct answer: 1, 3 and 4 only. Gangetic dolphins live in the Ganges-Brahmapu- tra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu river systems of Nepal, In- dia, and Bangladesh. The Ganges river dolphin can only live in freshwater. They are essentially blind. They are also called ‘susu’. Statement 1 is correct: Dams and barrages disrupt the nat- ural flow of rivers, reducing the availability of suitable hab- itats for the dolphins. They also fragment populations and prevent dolphins from migrating to areas with adequate food resources. These structures can obstruct the dolphins’ access to breeding and feeding grounds. Statement 2 is incorrect: While crocodiles may compete with dolphins for food yet an increase in the population of croc- odiles in rivers is not considered a threat to Gangetic dol- phins. Statement 3 is correct: Dolphins die as a result of accidental- ly being caught in fishing nets, also known as bycatch. Statement 4 is correct: The use of pesticides and fertilizers in agricultural practices leads to water pollution, which can degrade the dolphins’ habitat by reducing water quality an

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