A rare Indus River dolphin, locally known as Bhulan, has been found dead in Dera Ghazi Khan. The discovery has raised concerns among wildlife activists about protecting and monitoring the endangered species.
The dolphin’s carcass was found along the southern bank of the Indus River. It was located east of Arain Wala Spur.
The site falls within the jurisdiction of Shiro Modern Police Station. Meanwhile, a boat crossing used by local residents is located on the opposite bank.
Dolphin became stranded after floods
Additional Chief Wildlife Ranger South Punjab Sheikh Muhammad Zahid said floodwater carried the dolphin into the area.
He explained that the dolphin entered the area with the recent floodwater. However, it became stranded after the water level receded.
Officials later shifted the carcass to Dera Ghazi Khan late at night. They moved it there for a post-mortem examination.
No apparent injury marks were found on the dolphin’s body. Therefore, officials said it would be premature to conclude that poachers killed it. The exact cause of death will become clear after the post-mortem examination.
New protected habitat covers part of Indus
The discovery comes shortly after the Punjab government established the Panjnad Indus River Dolphin Wildlife Sanctuary.
The sanctuary covers around 198 kilometres of the Indus River. It stretches from Jam Pur and Bait Lundi Patafi to Guddu Barrage.
The newly established sanctuary also connects with an existing protected dolphin habitat in Sindh.
As a result, the protected areas create a continuous legally protected corridor of around 400 kilometres along the Indus River. The development aims to strengthen protection for the rare freshwater species across its river habitat.
Punjab has around 660 Indus dolphins
The Indus dolphin population in Punjab is estimated at around 660. Nearly two-thirds of these dolphins live within the newly designated protected area.
The Indus River dolphin remains one of the world’s rare freshwater mammals. It also serves as an important indicator of the health of the Indus River ecosystem.
A survey conducted in 2001 recorded around 1,200 dolphins. Subsequent conservation efforts helped increase the population to nearly 2,000. Despite this progress, the species continues to face several threats.
Water pollution remains a major concern for the dolphins and their habitat. In addition, barrages have contributed to habitat fragmentation along the river.
Illegal hunting also threatens the species. Furthermore, dolphins can become trapped in irrigation canals.
The latest discovery in Dera Ghazi Khan has therefore renewed attention on the protection of Indus River dolphins.
However, the circumstances surrounding this particular dolphin’s death remain unclear. Officials are awaiting the post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause.
