Question map
Which one of the following is the national aquatic animal of India?
Explanation
The Ministry of Environment and Forests notified the Ganges River Dolphin as the National Aquatic Animal.[1] The Ganges river dolphin is important because it is a reliable indicator of the health of the entire river ecosystem.[2]
The Gangetic dolphin is found in the Ganges and Brahmaputra Rivers and their tributaries in Bangladesh, India, and[2] Nepal. It can survive only in freshwater and is essentially blind. This mammal hunts by emitting ultrasonic sounds, which bounce off fish and other prey, enabling it to see an image in its mind.[1]
The other options - saltwater crocodile, olive ridley turtle, and gharial - are important species in India's biodiversity but do not hold the status of national aquatic animal.
Sources- [1] Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 16: Conservation Efforts > 16.13.r. Ganges Dolphin > p. 245
- [2] Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 12: Animal Diversity of India > Ganges river dolphin > p. 189
PROVENANCE & STUDY PATTERN
Full viewThis is a 'Zero-Error' question. It falls under the 'National Symbols' category, which is static GK 101. Missing this is fatal because the entire serious competition will mark it correctly in seconds. It requires no analysis, just rote memorization of India's official natural symbols.
This question can be broken into the following sub-statements. Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.
- Explicit statement that the Ministry of Environment and Forests notified the Ganges River Dolphin as the National Aquatic Animal.
- Directly names the species (Ganges River Dolphin) and links it to the official notification process.
- States that the Ganges river dolphin has been recognized by the government of India as its National Aquatic Animal.
- Also provides habitat context (Ganges and Brahmaputra), corroborating species identity.
- Concise declaration: 'Declared Gangetic Dolphin as the national aquatic animal.'
- Supports the naming/identity of the national aquatic animal in a straightforward way.
- [THE VERDICT]: Absolute Sitter. Verbatim match in Shankar IAS (Chapter 12 & 16) and India Year Book (Environment Chapter).
- [THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: Official State Symbols & Indicator Species. The government elevates specific species to 'National' status to drive conservation funding (Project Dolphin).
- [THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: Memorize the 'National' siblings: 1. National Heritage Animal: Elephant (2010). 2. National Microbe: Lactobacillus delbrueckii. 3. State Aquatic Animal of Punjab: Indus River Dolphin (Bhulan). 4. IUCN Status: Gangetic Dolphin (Endangered) vs Gharial (Critically Endangered).
- [THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: Do not limit study to just 'biological' traits. Always tag the 'Administrative Status' of a species. If the MoEFCC issues a notification about a species, it moves from 'General Bio' to 'High Priority Policy' topics.
References show the Ministry and state governments formally notifying species as national or state aquatic animals (e.g., Ganges/Gangetic dolphin).
UPSC frequently asks official symbols (national animal, bird, aquatic animal) and the notifying authority; understanding which body declares such symbols (e.g., MoEF) helps answer static GK and policy-linked questions. Prepare by memorising official symbols and noting the issuing authority and any state-level designations.
- Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 16: Conservation Efforts > 16.13.r. Ganges Dolphin > p. 245
- Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 6: Environmental Issues > MoEF order > p. 125
Multiple references identify the Ganges/Gangetic (river) dolphin and its habitat (Ganga, Brahmaputra and tributaries) as the national aquatic animal.
High-yield for biodiversity and environment sections: species identity, habitat, and ecological role (indicator species) are frequently tested and appear in mains and prelims. Connects to river ecology, freshwater biodiversity, and conservation priorities. Learn species-wise habitat, conservation status, and ecological significance together.
- Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 12: Animal Diversity of India > Ganges river dolphin > p. 189
- Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 16: Conservation Efforts > 16.13.r. Ganges Dolphin > p. 245
- Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 4: BIODIVERSITY > ganges dolphin > p. 48
References mention threats (pollution, fishing nets, dams, poaching) and activism (campaigns by animal protection organisations), linking species status to policy actions.
Useful for questions on environmental threats, river management, and NGO/activist roles in shaping policy. UPSC often frames static facts within contemporary conservation challenges — study threat vectors, mitigation measures, and related policy or campaigning responses.
- Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 4: BIODIVERSITY > ganges dolphin > p. 48
- Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 6: Environmental Issues > MoEF order > p. 125
The 'Indus River Dolphin' (Bhulan). While the Gangetic Dolphin (Susu) is the National Aquatic Animal, the Indus Dolphin is the State Aquatic Animal of Punjab. Both are blind and rely on echolocation, but they are distinct subspecies/species.
Use 'National Coherence' logic. India's National River is the Ganga. It is administratively logical that the National Aquatic Animal would be the flagship species of that specific river system. Saltwater Crocodiles and Olive Ridleys are coastal/marine, disconnecting them from the 'Heartland' river identity.
Link to GS-3 (River Conservation): The Gangetic Dolphin is the 'Indicator Species' for the health of the Ganga river system. Its presence validates the success of the 'Namami Gange' mission. If the Dolphin thrives, the water quality (BOD/DO) is improving.