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

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2015 Prelims]

(a) Saltwater crocodile

(b) Olive ridley turtle

(c) Gangetic dolphin

(d) Gharial

Answer: (c)

Explanation:

Gangetic River dolphins:

• It is India’s national aquatic animal.
• Habitat –
  • Ganges – Brahmaputra – Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu river systems of Nepal, India, and Bangladesh.
  • Nearly 80%found in the Indian subcontinent.
• Other Name – Susu
• Features –
  • It is blindand finds its way and prey in river waters through echolocation.
  • It can only live in
• Conservation status –
  • Schedule I animal under Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
  • IUCN status – Endangered
• Threats: Direct killing, habitat fragmentation by dams and barrages and indiscriminate fishing.

Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.