THE CAPTURE AND TRANSLOCATION OF INDUS RIVER DOLPHINS (PLATANISTA MINOR) FROM THE SUKKUR BARRAGE CANALS TO THE INDUS RIVER DOLPHIN RESERVE, SINDH, PAKISTAN

Abstract

In November 1999 and January 2000, four out of five dolphins trapped in canals were successfully translocated from Sukkur Headwork right and left irrigation canals. Journey time from place of capture to the main reserve was 1-3 hours. Method used for capturing the dolphins proved satisfactory and the animals released in the Indus unharmed. The future of dwindling populations of dolphins lies in a complete survey of both, Sukkur and Guddu Barrage Canals and the subsequent safe translocation of trapped animals to the main reserve, as a significant but unidentified proportion of the river population gets trapped in the canal system.