Ganges River Dolphin

The Ganges river dolphin (Platanista gangetica) was declared India's national aquatic animal in 2009. Locally called susu for the sound it makes when it surfaces to breathe, it is almost blind and navigates the muddy river water using echolocation.

The species lives in the Ganga–Brahmaputra–Meghna and Karnaphuli–Sangu river systems and is classified as endangered. Dams, pollution, fishing nets and sand mining are its main threats. The Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary in Bihar was created to protect it, and its presence is a sign of a healthy river.