Indus Dolphins get a brand new lifeline.

LAHORE -- The Indus River dolphin, the second most endangered freshwater river mammal, has received a fresh lifeline with the government planning to invest in the process of satellite tagging, which in the long run will enable them to prevent the threat of extinction.

One of the world's rarest dolphins, only found in Pakistan, has been in trouble for some time, and its population has dipped to alarmingly low numbers. With the help of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), a leading organization in conservation, the wildlife department, now plans to conduct a survey to determine the current status of the endangered species. During this process, experts said, the dolphins will be tagged. 'This will allow them to track river Indus dolphins using satellite technology.' 'The tool will provide new insight into the animals' movements, behaviour, and threats they face,' he added.

Once a tag is attached to the animal, it uses satellite to relay information about its location and movement back to researchers. In the long-run, the information gathered from the tags will help create stronger conservation plans for the protection of river dolphins and their habitats.

According to a survey conducted by the WWF in 2011, the total population of dolphins was 1,200. In a recent survey conducted by the organisation, the number seems to be improving. The population now stands at 1,800.

Indus Dolphin rescued from canal

'The numbers have improved over the past 15 years due to the combined efforts of the government, NGOs, and representatives of local communities,' said Hammad Naqi, Director General of WWF-Pakistan.

According to the WWF, Indus River dolphins originated in the ancient Tethys Sea. When the sea dried up approximately 50 million years ago, the dolphins migrated...

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