The Indus Dolphin(Platanista minor), a species endemic to Pakistan, was, historically, distributed within the Indus River system including all the main tributaries, from the foothills where the rivers entered the plains to the Indus delta. Over the years, however, it has become confined to the heavily turbid and silt laden waters of the Indus, from downstream of the Chashma Barrage (Punjab province) to upstream of the Kotri Barrage (Sindh province).

This unfortunate decrease in the distribution of the Indus Dolphin is mainly a result of its habitat loss. The construction of dams and barrages to irrigate the vast Indus plains have fragmented the rivers and caused a reduction in streamflow and loss of habitat.

Pollution could also be indentified as a reason, because the threat from river pollution continues. However, this is not conclusive as the Bhulan is 600km downstream. Water analyses of the streams and drains joining the River Ravi, one of the main tributa ries of the Indus, show the presence of massive quantities of town sewage, industrial effluent and pesticides. These pollutants have greatly reduced the population of fish, small invertebrates, microfauna and flora in the river and disrupted its ecology. Another factor considered to be contributing to the dolphin's decline in number is the fact that the locals produce an ointment from dolphin fat which is used to treat arthritis.

Given the alarming decline in the dolphin population, conservation efforts were started in the 1970s. The plight of the dolphin was brought to public notice. WWF-Pakistan initiated talks with the Water and Power Development Authority(WAPDA) for the provis ion of fish ladders and other facilities, so that populations cut off from each other by the construction of dams could interact and breed.

The Bhulan was declared a protected animal in all the provinces of Pakistan. The river stretch between Guddu and Sukkur, which bears the maximum population, was demarcated as a Dolphin Reserve by the government of Sindh. The Chashma and Taunsa Barrage are as were declared Wildlife Sanctuaries by the Punjab government, and dolphin protection was made stringent throughout the River Indus. These efforts have yielded some results. Since the 1970s, the population of the Indus Dolphin has significantly increased in both the Sindh and Punjab areas.

The Indus Dolphin being on the highest trophic level is obviously the worst hit. Unfortunately, although the impact on the dolphin population is so great, environmental awareness is scant.

WWF-Pakistan has funded a survey to assess the dolphin population and has initiated population counts. It is also identifying the threats and factors influencing the species' decline.

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