According to a report by International Union of Conservation of Nature, this bird is classified as a vulnerable species. This number denotes a global declination in its population. The specie has already become extinct in Malaysia, Philippines and Thailand. There are many causes which contribute towards its declining numbers. Some of them are the rapid increase in agricultural land area, dwindling wetlands, indiscriminate use of pesticides and increasing human population. Drastic climatic changes and pollution are also reasons.
Batagur Kachua (red-crowned roofed turtle): The National Chambal Sanctuary portion of the Chambal river has received moderate protection since 1979 as India's only protected riverine habitat. It is believed to be one of the last viable habitats for this specie, though even here, Batagur Kachua are rare. Recent annual nesting surveys indicate that fewer than 400 adult females are remaining in the wild. Red-crowned roofed turtle (Batagur Kachua) is a specie of turtles found in South Asia.
Gangetic Dolphin (Platenista Gangetica): The Gangetic dolphins, found in the region, are a rare specie. Earlier, it was found in Ganga river basin and all the linked rivers. But now, its habitat is limited to a few rivers. Brahmaputra, Ganga, Chambal rivers are its natural habitats. In these rivers, around 2,500 dolphins are found. Gangetic dolphins have been included in the Schedule-I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The specie needs highest degree of protection. Read the full report here.
Source: Times News Network, Kanpur.
