Dolphin And Crocodiles Conservation

**Statement 1 is correct:** This is a major threat. Dams fragment the river habitat, hinder migration patterns, and can disrupt prey availability for the dolphins. **Statement 2 is incorrect:** While competition might exist, it's not a cause of decline. A healthy river ecosystem can support both dolphins and crocodiles. **Statement 3 is correct:** This is a significant threat, as dolphins can get caught in fishing gear and drown. **Statement 4 is correct:** Runoff from agricultural lands can pollute rivers with pesticides and fertilizers. These pollutants can harm the dolphins' health and prey species. Thus 1,3, and 4 are the causes of the decline in the Ganga River Dolphins.

**Statement 1 is correct:** The Dugong is a herbivorous marine animal. Dugongs are marine mammals that feed on seagrass meadows. **Statement 2 is incorrect:** While once more widespread, dugong populations are now concentrated in specific areas. They are primarily found in -The Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay off the coast of Tamil Nadu -The Andaman and Nicobar Islands -The Gulf of Kutch **Statement 3 is correct:** It is given legal protection under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. 

* The National Aquatic animal of India is the Ganges River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica). * The Ministry of Environment and Forests notified the Ganges River Dolphin as the National Aquatic Animal on 18th May 2010. * The dolphin is blind and faces a severe threat from the heavy pollution and habitat destruction in the waters where it lives. * It has been declared Endangered in the IUCN Red List, and it is assumed that fewer than 2000 individuals remain. This dolphin, called susu or susuk in India, is thought to represent the purity of the Ganga.

The best place to see Gharials in their natural habitat is the National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary. The National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary is a tri-state protected area in northern India spread across the states of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. It is one of the dedicated sanctuaries for Gharials, the critically endangered fish-eating crocodiles.