Another dead Ganges river dolphin, locally known as Shushuk, has been recovered from the Halda river in Chattogram.
Researchers have confirmed that this is the 49th dead dolphin to be recovered from the river.
The carcass of the mature female dolphin was found on Tuesday morning in the Sipahir Ghat area of Raozan Upazila with the assistance of residents.
The dolphin measured 239 centimetres (approximately 7 feet 10 inches) in length and weighed an estimated 91 kilograms.
Researchers said the dolphin is believed to have died five to six days before surfacing in the river.
The body was in an advanced state of decomposition, emitting a foul odour and showing significant decay in the mouth, abdomen, and tail.
An inquest was conducted by Shah Mohammad Kaisar, a PhD researcher at the University of Chittagong’s Halda River Research Laboratory, and members of the IDF, under the direction of Dr Md Manzoorul Kibria.
Following the examination, the remains were buried at the IDF Halda Training and Research Centre. Researchers have collected dolphin teeth for future study.
Manzoorul remarked that the Halda river is the country’s only natural fish spawning ground. He emphasized that the recurring deaths of dolphins are a grave concern for the biodiversity and environmental balance of the river.
