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    7 Abstract TerritoryandstatusofdolphinsinNepaleserivers Areview 26 1

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    See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.

    net/publication/372957064

    Territory and status of dolphins in Nepalese rivers: A


    Review_26_1

    Article in Aquatic Ecosystem Health and Management · August 2023


    DOI: 10.14321/aehm.026.01.40

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    3 authors:

    Madhav Kumar Shrestha Rahul Ranjan


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    Territory and status of dolphins in Nepalese rivers:
    A review
    Madhav K Shrestha1,* and Rahul Ranjan2
    1Center for Aquaculture-Agriculture Research and Production Khairahani - 10, Kathar, Chitwan, Nepal
    2Agriculture and Forestry University Bharatpur 44200, Nepal

    *Corresponding author: “[email protected]

    Nepal is endowed with vast water resources in form of glaciers, lakes, streams and rivers. All the rivers
    in Nepal are connected to the Ganges River system of India. The major rivers are reliable sources of water
    and provide habitats for aquatic animals, opportunities for hydropower, and irrigation development in
    downstream regions. The major rivers of Nepal include the Koshi, Gandaki (Narayani), Karnali, and
    Mahakali which all drain from north to south. These rivers support abundant wildlife species as well
    as a number of fishes, amphibians and reptiles. Most relevant to this paper is the Ganges River Dolphin
    (Platanista gangetica gangetica Roxburgh, 1801). The Ganges River Dolphin preys on fish, mollusks and
    other aquatic animals. Being a migratory species, the dolphins move from larger rivers to their tributaries,
    seasonally. This paper is intended to review work on the status of Ganges River Dolphin in Nepalese rivers
    based on secondary data obtained from different published surveys targeting the dolphin populations. The
    records show the Karnali River has the largest population, followed by the Koshi and Narayani rivers,
    with no record of dolphins occupying the Mahakali River in recent years. Recent surveys estimate about
    100 dolphins living in Nepal, with 80 estimated in the Karnali River. Different anthropogenic activities
    including construction work, intensive fishing, pollution and the lack of conservation planning for
    dolphins have resulted in a decline in number from historic levels. The presence of this aquatic mammal
    is considered as an indicator of the overall health of the river system. The COVID-19 pandemic and lock
    down might have caused increased dolphin sightings. Additionally, high pre-monsoon precipitation in
    recent years have caused higher water levels in smaller rivers, possibly causing the dolphins to return
    earlier than usual to the major river systems. They were recorded to be present in the Mohana and other
    small tributaries of the Karnali River as early as first week of June.

    Keywords: Nepal, habitat, COVID-19

    40

    Aquatic Ecosystem Health & Management, 26(1): 40–48, 2023. Copyright © 2023 Aquatic Ecosystem Health & Management Society.

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