Graphic image warning. Since lockdown has been instated in Bangladesh, two endangered Ganges river dolphins have been illegally poached and butchered for their fat in the same sanctuary. The fat is believed to fetch a pretty penny for its ‘medicinal’ benefits.
The latest animal, found gutted on the banks of the Halda River, was discovered by locals in the town of Raojan. Officials believe the illegal poaching has to do with the lack of patrol staff available due to lockdown, according to Al Jazeera.
A fishery department official, Abdullah al Mamun, spoke to AFP News Agency and said the animal measured 157cm. A fully grown female can measure up to 2.7m and a fully grown male, 2.12m.
The animal was found with a deep incision from neck to tail and a layer of body fat had been removed. This is what oil is made from, for traditional medicine.
Ganges dolphins are classified as endangered on the International Union of Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List of threatened species.
The Halda River Research Laboratory (HRRL) has said around 170 dolphins remain in the Halda River.
The entire population, according to WWF, is estimated between 1,200 and 1,800 individuals.
Poaching of the Ganges river dolphin…Many local villagers believe dolphin fat can cure diseases. It fetches a good price.https://t.co/01Nx0XFtre
— Vaishali Basu Sharma (@basu_vaishali) May 12, 2020
Image: Instagram/gangesriverdolphin1
