"The presence of dolphins here is an important indicator of the river's ecological health, emphasizing the need for ongoing conservation initiatives."

By Ujjwal Upadhyay -Team Lead, Project CAP

The recent sighting of an Asian River Dolphin in the Rapti River near Chitwan National Park has captivated conservationists and wildlife enthusiasts alike.

This remarkable species, part of the genus Platanista, inhabits the waterways of the Indian subcontinent and was historically considered a single species with the Ganges and Indus river dolphins as subspecies. However, recent genetic and morphological research has identified them as distinct species. The Ganges and Indus river dolphins are now recognized as distinct, diverging approximately 550,000 years ago. These dolphins are the only living members of the family Platanistidae and the superfamily Platanistoidea, with fossils of their ancient relatives dating back to the late Oligocene.

Unfortunately, Ganges River dolphins have become increasingly scarce in Nepal. In 2016, the Department of Wildlife Conservation and National Parks estimated that only 52 remained in the country, with 43 in the Karnali River and its tributaries and nine in the Kosi River.

In 2022, however, the situation appeared to change when a dolphin was discovered in the Narayani River near Bharatpur Metropolitan City after being thought to be extinct for years. This species was previously abundant on the site, but this rare sighting highlighted the severe impact of pollution—chemical, plastic, and acoustic—on their populations. The Gandak Barrage, built along the Indo-Nepal border, has also served as a barrier, preventing dolphins from crossing between rivers, exacerbating their decline.

Dolphin sightings in the Rapti River from August 22 to 24 have provided a glimmer of hope. This area, located more than 20 kilometers upstream from the confluence with the Narayani River, continues to be an ecological hotspot with a high biodiversity. The presence of dolphins here is an important indicator of the river's ecological health, emphasizing the need for ongoing conservation initiatives.

Dolphins are often considered the epitome of a clean river environment. However, their populations have plummeted over the last few decades due to a variety of threats such as dam construction, entanglement in fishing nets, boat traffic, and pollution. Among these, plastic waste has emerged as a critical issue. According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), immediate action is required to prevent the extinction of these charismatic animals, about which we know little.

Project CAP has taken significant steps to address these concerns, including initiatives aimed at river cleanup and plastic waste management. The project aims to restore the health of rivers such as the Rapti by addressing plastic pollution.

Key initiatives include river clean-up campaigns involving local youths and stakeholders, the establishment of waste-smart clubs in schools to educate children about plastic use and disposal, and technological advances in plastic recycling. These efforts not only seek to reduce plastic waste but also to create job opportunities in marginalized communities by hiring people to collect and recycle plastics.

The survival of dolphins and other aquatic species is dependent on our ability to keep rivers clean and healthy. Project CAP aims to preserve rivers as vibrant ecosystems for wildlife by addressing plastic pollution through targeted initiatives and community involvement.

Collaborative efforts are required to combat the threats to these species and protect their habitats for future generations. The recent dolphin sightings in the Rapti River highlight the importance of these efforts and emphasize the need for ongoing vigilance and action in our conservation efforts.

The recent dolphin sighting has energized the Project CAP team, emphasizing the importance of our ongoing efforts to keep the Rapti River clean and ecologically healthy. Project CAP remains committed to expanding their river cleanup efforts and improving ecosystem restoration. Our commitment is to ensure that the Rapti River continues to support a diverse range of species and provide a thriving natural habitat for many years to come.