UPSC 2014EnvironmentModerate

Other than poaching, what are the possible reasons for the decline in the population of Ganges River Dolphins? 1. Construction of dams and barrages on rivers 2. Increase in the population of crocodiles in rivers 3. Getting trapped in fishing nets accidentally 4. Use of synthetic fertilizers and other agricultural chemicals in crop-fields in the vicinity of rivers Select the correct answer using the code given below.

A
1 and 2 only
B
2 and 3 only
C
1, 3 and 4 only
Correct Answer
D
1, 2, 3 and 4

Explanation

Option (c) is correct because habitat fragmentation by dams, accidental entanglement in fishing nets (bycatch), and toxic pollution from agricultural runoff are primary anthropogenic threats to the Ganges River Dolphin. Option (d) is incorrect because crocodiles are not significant predators or competitors of dolphins; rather, both species coexist naturally and often face similar conservation threats. The core concept tested is the identification of specific environmental and human-induced pressures leading to the decline of endangered riverine megafauna.

Environment / ConservationGanges River Dolphin Conservation ThreatsPoachingGanges River Dolphinsdamsbarragesfishing netssynthetic fertilizersagricultural chemicals

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