Rare Indus River Dolphin Found Dead in Dera Ghazi Khan

A rare Indus River dolphin, locally known as Bhulan, has been found dead along the Indus River in Dera Ghazi Khan, prompting concerns about the conservation and monitoring of the endangered species.

According to local sources, the dolphin was found on the southern bank of the river, east of Arain Wala Spur, within the jurisdiction of Shiro Modern Police Station. A commonly used boat crossing for local residents is located on the opposite side of the river.

Additional Chief Wildlife Ranger South Punjab Sheikh Muhammad Zahid said the dolphin may have entered the area with the recent floodwaters. As the water level later declined, the animal is believed to have become stranded.

The dolphin’s remains were transported to Dera Ghazi Khan for a post-mortem examination. Officials said no obvious injury marks were found on the body, and it would be premature to determine the cause of death before the examination is completed.

Authorities said the post-mortem report will help establish how the dolphin died.

New Protected Habitat for Indus Dolphins

The incident comes soon after the Punjab government established the Panjnad Indus River Dolphin Wildlife Sanctuary, covering approximately 198 kilometers of the Indus River between Jam Pur, Bait Lundi Patafi, and Guddu Barrage.

The newly designated sanctuary has been linked with an existing protected dolphin habitat in Sindh, creating a continuous protected corridor of around 400 kilometers along the Indus River.

Officials estimate that Punjab is home to approximately 660 Indus River dolphins, with nearly two-thirds of the population found within the newly protected area.

Conservation Challenges Continue

The Indus River dolphin is among the world’s rare freshwater mammals and is considered an important indicator of the health of the river ecosystem.

According to WWF-Pakistan, the population has increased through conservation efforts. A survey conducted in 2001 recorded around 1,200 dolphins, while later estimates placed the population at close to 2,000.

Despite progress in conservation, the species continues to face several challenges, including water pollution, habitat changes caused by barrages, illegal hunting, and accidental entrapment in irrigation canals.

Wildlife authorities and conservation organizations continue to emphasize the importance of protecting the dolphin’s natural habitat and improving monitoring along the Indus River.