Ganges River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica), which is locally known as ‘'shos' or 'Su Su', inhabits the Ganges, Brahmaputra rivers and their tributaries in India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan. The Ganges River Dolphin is the only mammalian predator in the Ganges, which is exclusively aquatic and plays a vital role in maintaining the essential balance of the ecosystem, occupying the apex of the food chain. It is considered a good indicator of the health of the aquatic ecosystem. River dolphins have seen a decline in population by more than 50% since 1994. Thus, the species has been classified as “Endangered-IUCN, "Critical Endangered"-National Red Data Book and is protected by Section 10 of the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 1973 and listed among 27 protected mammals in Schedule I of Nepal. Historically, River Dolphins have been documented and counted in the Karnali, Koshi, and Mahakali river basins and in their feeder rivers of Nepal. Declining in their population and distribution range, these species are no longer found in the Mahakali river system of Nepal. Previous study in Nepal shows that only the Karnali River supports the minimum viable population of dolphins, while only a few individual dolphins exist in the other two river basins, Koshi and Narayani.

A lack of robust information on dolphin status and distribution, potential threats, coupled with a low level of conservation awareness among responsible agencies, has been a major constraint for conservation in the existing river system. Therefore, this project intends to provide updated information regarding their numbers, mapping the hotspot habitat and threats in the Koshi River. The project objectives are;

1. To update the population status of the River Dolphin in the Koshi River and map the hotspot habitat and their distribution range.
2. To involve 15 local fishermen communities and youth in monitoring and conservation of the River Dolphin through a citizen scientist program.
3. To document potential threats and issues in river dolphin conservation at the local level.
4. To raise awareness and sensitize local communities on the conservation issue of the river dolphin.

This project will help the river-dependent and indigenous communities to develop local stewardship in the River Dolphin and its habitat conservation. Capacitating citizen scientists will help to enhance the ability to research and monitor for dolphin conservation. The formation of the community -based Dolphin Conservation Groups led by citizen scientists will ensure the regular monitoring and activities regarding dolphin conservation even after the completion of the project. Through the awareness program, targeted groups will have better knowledge and understanding regarding the ecological and environmental importance of the River Dolphin for a healthy aquatic ecosystem and eradicating the threats to dolphins imposed due to their activities. These programs also stimulate the local and artisanal fishing communities to adopt efficient and safer fishing techniques to avoid the entanglement or accidental killing of dolphins during fishing.

The project is funded by The Rufford Foundation.