Which of the following is called the 'Tiger of the Ganges' along with the distinction of being the 'National Aquatic Animal'?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Dolphin
The correct answer is Dolphin (specifically, the Ganges River Dolphin).
The Ganges River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica) is often referred to as the 'Tiger of the Ganges' because it sits at the apex of the freshwater food chain, much like the tiger does in the forest.
Key Facts:
- National Aquatic Animal: The Government of India officially declared the Ganges River Dolphin as the National Aquatic Animal in 2009 to raise awareness for its conservation.
- Blindness: These dolphins are essentially blind. They hunt and navigate using echolocation (emitting ultrasonic sounds that bounce off objects).
- Habitat: They are found in the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu river systems of India, Nepal, and Bangladesh.
- Indicator Species: Because they can only live in freshwater, their presence is a sign of a healthy river ecosystem.