Question 68 from UPSC CSE 2015 - Environment

Question

Which one of the following is the national aquatic animal of India?

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. Gangetic dolphin

Strategy: Identify the correct national aquatic animal through factual recall. The Gangetic dolphin is the designated species, while other options, though ecologically important, do not hold this national title.

Key Info: The Gangetic dolphin (Platanista gangetica), also known as the South Asian river dolphin, was declared the national aquatic animal of India in 2009 to highlight its ecological and conservation significance, particularly in the Ganga River and its tributaries. It is classified as 'Endangered' by the IUCN due to habitat loss and water pollution.

**Other options:**
- Saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) is found in Indian coastal and riverine habitats, especially in the Sundarbans and Bhitarkanika, but has no national designation.
- Olive ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea), famed for mass nesting at Gahirmatha and Rushikulya in Odisha, is the state aquatic animal of Odisha but not national.
- Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus), an endangered fish-eating crocodilian, is India's national aquatic reptile and found in rivers like the Chambal, but is not the national aquatic animal.

National symbols serve to bring conservation attention to representative species of ecological importance. The Gangetic dolphin's selection aims to emphasize river ecosystem health and the need for freshwater biodiversity protection.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option A: Saltwater crocodile

IASCODEX · Answer

Option B: Olive ridley turtle

IASCODEX · Answer

Option D: Gharial