Ganges River Dolphin
by Keely Sellman
Habitat
The habitat of the Ganges River Dolphin (Platonista gangetica) is the Ganges River in India. The average temperature in the water is fifteen degrees Celsius. Since there is a high human population in the area there is not a lot of natural vegetation left. This causes erosion and siltation of the river. Some of the native plants are date palms, fig trees, marigolds, and algae.
Algae
Algae are microscopic plants and producers in the habitat. They provide food for small animals like shrimps and ducks
Marigolds
Marigold flowers are producers that provide food for flies which are food for frogs which are food for the Ganges river dolphin.
Fig Trees
Fig trees help prevent erosion and keep the river clean.
Animals
There are many animals in the habitat of the Ganges River Dolphin. A few are carp, Ganges soft shelled turtle, cat fish, and ducks.
Ganges Soft Shelled Turtle
Ganges Soft Shelled Turtle eats plants and animals. Sometimes a group of them can eat a large animal but it is rare. They are omnivores.
Carp
Carp are fish that are also endangered. The Ganges River Dolphin eats them. They are omnivores.
Cat Fish
Cat Fish are another fish that the Ganges River dolphin eats. They are omnivores.
Ganges River Dolphin
The Ganges River Dolphin is an endangered species that lives in the Ganges River. It eats catfish, carp, frogs, ducks, shrimp, and more. Since there are many dams in the Ganges River there is less area for the Ganges River Dolphin to get food. It also makes the dolphin have a harder time reproducing. Dams are part of the reason why the Ganges River Dolphin is endangered. Another reason is polluted water. One cause of polluted water is erosion. Erosion happens because there is not a lot of plants in the area so the dirt falls in to the water easily. The Ganges River Dolphin is a carnivore so it only eats meat.
Food Web
Energy Pyramid
New Habitat
The new Ganges River Dolphin habitat will be a freshwater river with a water temperature of 15° C. The water source will be a man made lake and rainwater. This new habitat will effect the environment because a river and the lake that provides water will have to be made. Carp, catfish and the Ganges soft-shelled turtle will live in the river providing food for the dolphins. The populations of these smaller species will be monitored and restocked as needed. I will plant marigolds, date palms, and fig trees along the riverbanks to prevent erosion to keep the water clean and clear. I will put a soft muddy bottom in the river so the dolphin can swim on its side to find food. The dolphin will have better use of it sonar in the new habitat because the water will be clear because the plants on the shore will prevent erosion of dirt into the river. Sonar and side swimming are both behavioral adaptations. I will keep the river clean and free of trash. It will have lots of open space so the dolphin can use its flippers and not be injured by floating trash. The Ganges River Dolphin is a mammal and needs to breathe air through its blowhole. The many species of plants along the shore will keep the habitat’s air fresh and clean for breathing. Flippers and blow holes are both physical adaptations. The adaptions of the Ganges River Dolphin will be neutral to the environment.