Prelude: Saving the national animal of India and Nepal

The Gangetic Dolphin, an endangered indicator species for river ecosystem health, faces severe threats from habitat degradation, pollution, and human activities. Conservation efforts across India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Bhutan aim to protect the species through protected areas, regulatory measures, and community-based programs. The study highlights the need for enhanced research using emerging technologies like satellite tagging, acoustic monitoring, and AI to better understand dolphin ecology and inform conservation strategies. A proposed workshop, 'Uniting for the Survival of the South Asian River Dolphin,' seeks to consolidate regional efforts and innovate solutions for this critically endangered species.

Kumar, D. (2023). Prelude: Saving the national animal of India and Nepal. Aquatic Ecosystem Health & Management, 26(1), 3–6. https://doi.org/10.14321/aehm.026.01.03