Experts say that the number of dolphins has decreased due to the low water level in the Karnali estuary along with natural exploitation.
What you should know
A large number of dolphins were seen playing in the Karnali River until about three decades ago. The number of dolphins roaming the river now stands at just three.
Bardiya National Park has reported that a study has shown that there is only one in the Geruwa River floodplain. Saroj Mani Poudel, senior conservation officer of the park, said that the number of dolphins has decreased due to the low water level in the Karnali river along with natural exploitation. A recent survey has found 3 dolphins in the southern part of the Karnali river.
In 2073 BS, monitoring was carried out at the government level to determine the number of dolphins. At that time, 5 were found in Karnali. Until about two and a half years ago, dolphins were also playing in the eastern Geruwa river.
According to Ajit Tumphahamphe, head of the National Nature Conservation Trust, a dolphin was found in Lalmatia in Geruwa last year, but it was not seen this year. Recently, the fund, with the help of Eco Lab, surveyed the Mohana River in Kailali and found 54 dolphins, said Chief Tumphahamphe.
The National Trust for Nature Conservation, Bardiya, has stated that dolphins have not been found in the Geruwa River even after a long investigation. According to the fund, dolphins are disappearing as the water in the Geruwa dries up.
A large number of dolphins were seen swimming in the Karnali River, which flows along the border of the park, until the 1980s. The fund said that the number has decreased as the water in the Geruwa dries up and is now low. Experts say that dolphins that have been washed away by dams built in the border area do not return and are disappearing as the water level in Karnali and Geruwa rises.
According to Bardiya National Park, dolphins could be seen in Manaughat, Golaghat and Kothiyaghat, Geruwa River until about two decades ago.
Dolphins, a highly intelligent mammal, are known as creatures that can form close friendships with humans. Based on their miraculous nature, dolphins are played various games in many countries. In Nepal, dolphins are occasionally found in large and less polluted rivers like Narayani and Koshi, but dolphins have become increasingly rare in the Karnali and Geruwa rivers.
