In December 2024, the first-ever Ganges River Dolphin tagging in India was conducted in which state?

The correct answer is Assam. Key Points The first-ever tagging of Ganges River Dolphins in India was conducted in Assam in December 2024. Ganges River Dolphins, also known as Susu, are classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The tagging initiative is part of a larger conservation effort aimed at studying the movement and habitat of these dolphins to protect them effectively. The process involved attaching radio transmitters to the dolphins, which will help monitor their movement and understand their behavioral patterns in the Brahmaputra River. Additional Information Odisha: Odisha is well-known for its rich biodiversity and hosts the Chilika Lake, which is a significant habitat for Irrawaddy dolphins. However, the Ganges River Dolphin is not commonly found in Odisha's water bodies. Goa: Goa is primarily associated with marine biodiversity, including the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins, rather than river dolphins. It is not a habitat for the Ganges River Dolphin. West Bengal: The Ganges River Dolphin is found in the Ganges River system, which passes through West Bengal. While the species is present here, the first-ever tagging initiative was not conducted in this state. Ganges River Dolphin: Known as the "National Aquatic Animal of India," these dolphins are blind and rely on echolocation to navigate and hunt in the murky waters of the Ganges and Brahmaputra river systems. Conservation Efforts: The Government of India has launched several programs, such as "Project Dolphin," to protect and conserve this endangered species.