Abstract
The South Asian river dolphins of the genus Platanista represent one of the world’s most evolutionarily distinct groups of aquatic mammals, consisting of two geographically and genetically isolated species: the Ganges River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica), distributed across the Ganges–Brahmaputra–Meghna (GBM) basin of India, Nepal, and Bangladesh, and the Indus River dolphin (Platanista minor), confined to the Indus basin of Pakistan and with a small remnant population in the Beas River, India. Both species are listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Once widely distributed throughout South Asia’s major river systems, both subspecies have undergone substantial range contraction due to widespread hydrological alteration, habitat fragmentation, bycatch mortality, pollution, vessel disturbance, and climate-driven changes in seasonal flows. The Indus River dolphin, in particular, has experienced an approximately 80% reduction in historical linear range, with the remaining population concentrated in fragmented river sections separated by irrigation barrages. The Ganges River dolphin retains a broader distribution, but its range and abundance have also declined and become increasingly fragmented. This review synthesizes ecological, hydrological, genetic, and conservation literature to compare the status and threats of both species and to identify research and policy priorities. The evidence indicates that long-term conservation requires protection of ecological flows, maintenance of river connectivity, reduction of fisheries-related mortality and pollution, and coordinated basin-scale management that accounts for the socioeconomic realities of riverine communities.
Keywords:
- Keyword: South Asian River dolphins; Platanista; distribution habitat fragmentation; conservation
How to Cite:
Qin, E. & Khatiwada, J. R., (2026) “Status, Threats, and Conservation of the South Asian River Dolphins (Platanista): A Comprehensive Review”, Journal of Intelligent and Sustainable Systems (JISS) 2(3).