How does the Ganges River affect the animals?
Hundreds of millions of people and a huge range of wildlife rely on the Ganges. But pollution, dams and removal of too much water (mostly for agriculture) have affected the flow and health of this vital river. One of the river’s most at-risk animals is the Ganges river dolphin.
What wildlife lives in the Ganges River?
It harbours important aquatic fauna such as the Gangetic river dolphin, gharial, otters, turtles and several aquatic and terrestrial birds. The aquatic wildlife of the Ganga and their habitats are in peril due to reduction in water flow, pollution and over exploitation of riverine resources.
How many animals live in the Ganges River?
With the main river flowing over 2,500 km, the Ganga and its tributaries are home to over 140 fish species, 90 amphibians and many birds, apart from the famous reptiles and mammals. And this does not include the biodiversity-rich delta, the Sundarbans.
Why is there very little aquatic life at many places in the river Ganga?
The research by a team of scientists from Banaras Hindu University (BHU) and Mahatma Gandhi Kashividyapith University in Varanasi has found that the river’s underwater has got fragmented, meaning no existence of aquatic life, due to untreated sewage flowing into the river from cities.
What kind of vegetation and wildlife is found in river Ganga?
The Ganga-Brahmaputra basin has rich and varied natural vegetation. Tropical deciduous forests are found in the plain region of the basin. Some main species of trees are teak, sal and peepal.
Why are Ganges river dolphins blind?
Like other river dolphins, who have evolved these traits convergently, they rely very little on eyesight because of the muddy waters it inhabits, and as a result has tiny, non-functional eyes that lack lenses. Instead they use echolocation to detect food and navigate, and, to a very small extent, communication.
What fish live in the Ganges?
The River Ganges supports a diverse fish fauna, with about 260 fish species reported for Indian waters (Sinha & Khan 2001). About 35 species have been identified as having highest commercial value, including carps (Cyprinidae), snakeheads (Channidae), and catfishes (Siluriformes) (Islam et al.
Why Ganges river is polluted?
The untreated sewage dumped into the river, industrial waste, agricultural runoff, remnants of partially burned or unburned bodies from funeral pyres, and animal carcasses all contribute to polluting the Ganges. High levels of disease-causing bacteria and toxic substances have also been found in the Ganges.
What do you know about the wildlife of the Ganga Brahmaputra basin?
The Ganga Brahmaputra basin is house to a varied wildlife as well. Tigers, Elephants, Deer and monkeys are the most common. Apart from these one-horned Rhinoceros, crocodiles, alligators and Bengal tiger are a common sight in the delta.
What are the three measures to protect wildlife?
Write three measures to protect wildlife.
- Stop poaching.
- stop deforestation.
- grow more trees.
- preserve the natural resources.
Are there fish in the Ganges river?
The River Ganges supports a diverse fish fauna, with about 260 fish species reported for Indian waters (Sinha & Khan 2001). About 35 species have been identified as having highest commercial value, including carps (Cyprinidae), snakeheads (Channidae), and catfishes (Siluriformes) (Islam et al. 2006).