The Ganges river dolphin (platanista gangetia) is found in India,
Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh, in the Ganges, Brahmaputra, Meghna,
Karnaphuli and Hoogli river systems. The river water is so muddy
that vision is useless and so these dolphins are blind and their
eyes have no lenses. They use a sophisticated echolocation system
to navigate and find food. They eat shrimp and fish from the mud in
river bottoms. They are solitary creatures and are only found in
fresh water. The Ganges river dolphin is an endangered species as a
result of a number of factors. These factors include the damming of
rivers for hydroelectric and irrigation purposes, and the increase
in boat traffic, fishing and pollution. They are also hunted by
humans for meat and oil. There are only approximately 4000 - 6000
individuals left.