Conservation threats of the Gangetic Dolphin Platanista gangetica gangetica in River Kulsi, A Tributary of Brahmaputra, Assam, India Shah Nawaz Jelil 1,2* 1 Animal Ecology and Wildlife Biology Lab, Department of Zoology, Gauhati University, Guwahati-14, Assam, India. 2 Kalpadroom Foundation, 32, Arunodoy Path, Christianbasti, Guwahati-5, Assam, India ABSTRACT A site-specific threat assessment of the gangetic dolphin was carried out in river Kulsi. Threats were identified by extensive literature survey and direct observation in field. Twelve threats were identified after the study. The study was a fervent attempt to identify the threats and prepare a detailed list of these threats faced by the ceta- cean in Kulsi. The study reiterates that Kulsi is one of the last refuges of the gangetic dolphin and that the threats faced by the animal in this river are to yet to be acknowledged by the concerned authorities in order to conserve this species. Keywords: Brahmaputra, Conservation threats, Gangetic Dolphin, Kulsi, Site-specific threats 6 Northeast Journal of Contemporary Research, May 2015. Vol. 2 No. 1, pp 6-11 ISSN 2349-3089 ©NeJCR, 2015 INTRODUCTION Kulsi is considered as one of the last refuges of the gangetic dolphin in the state of Assam. River Kulsi, though bur- dened with sand mining and a fast changing environment, still acts as a potential habitat for the gangetic dolphin. Wakid (2005) re- ported a best estimate of 27 dolphins in Kulsi, in 2008 his team in the same river stretch, recorded a best estimate of 29 dol- phins. Earlier studies in Kulsi on the gangetic dolphin have been limited to popu- lation assessment, abundance estimate, etc. Studies did aim to identify threats faced by the cetacean in this river, but results showed no detailed list of disturbances or threats. Considering its current state, river Kulsi was assessed to ascertain the threats concerning the river dolphin conservation. Since, endangered species conservation re- quires many lines of inquiry to provide the evidence required for a holistic approach to conservation planning (Sutari, 2009), the findings of the site-specific threat assessment of the river dolphin in river Kulsi are re- ported here. METERIALS AND METHODS Conservation efforts should be glob- ally planned; local databases and information are vital for effective conservation work plans. The study was an attempt to identify treats faced by the gangetic dolphin in river Kulsi so as to provide a basis to make an *Corresponding author’s Email: shahnawazjelil@gmail.com