India’s first National Dolphin Research Centre (NDRC) was inaugurated in Patna
National Dolphin Research Centre (NDRC):The Chief Minister of State integrated India’s first National Dolphin Research Centre (NDRC) near the Ganga River on the Patna University campus. The NDRC will act as a centre of excellence for researchers and students to understand the ecosystem of rivers and will be focussing on various aspects of dolphin behaviour in their natural habitat, which include studying food habits and adaptation to changing environments.
National Dolphin Research Centre (NDRC)
India’s first National Dolphin Research Centre (NDRC)
The NDRC will span a 4,400 square metre plot on the premises of Patna University near the Ganga. The estimated cost of National Dolphin Research Centre (NDRC) is Rs 30 crore.It is India and Asia’s first National Dolphin Research Centre (NDRC) in whole world.
About Gangetic River Dolphin
The Gangetic River dolphin is India’s national aquatic animal, and they inhabit the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu river systems of Nepal, India, and Bangladesh. It is a Schedule I animal under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, of 1972 under Schedule I of Appendix I which has been declared an endangered species by the International Union for Conser vation of Nature. Bihar is home to around half of the estimated 3,000 Gangetic dolphins in India. The dolphin is found in India, Bangladesh and Nepal, where in Bihar it is the home to around half of the estimated 3,000 Gangetic dolphins in India.
Features:-
- Long thin snout, rounded belly, stocky body, and large flippers characterize the Gangetic River Dolphin.
- This species primarily feeds on fish and is commonly found in counter-current systems of the main river channel.
- Due to the absence of lenses in their eyes, Gangetic River Dolphins are often referred to as the “blind dolphin.”
- They possess a highly developed bio-sonar system, enabling them to hunt for fish even in murky waters.
- As mammals, Gangetic River Dolphins cannot breathe underwater and must surface every 30-120 seconds. This frequent surfacing, accompanied by the sound of their breathing, has earned them the nickname ‘Susu’.
Where do the India’s first National Dolphin Research Centre (NDRC) is integrated?
India’s first National Dolphin Research Centre (NDRC) is inaugraed in Patna.
