Endangered Gangetic Dolphin Found Dead in Brahmaputra, Poaching Suspected

A Gangetic river dolphin (Platanista gangetica) was found dead in the Brahmaputra River near Guimara in Kamrup district, with poaching suspected.

Experts said the dolphin likely got entangled in fishing nets, while locals alleged illegal fishing with large nets is a major threat to the endangered species. The area is known as a key habitat, but dolphin numbers are declining due to such practices.

The species is protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and activists have urged strict action against illegal fishing and poaching in the river stretch.