Padma Multipurpose Bridge Project

There is evidence of Indian Crested Porcupine (Hystrix indica) and Common Otter (Lutra lutra) thathave risk of extinction and are also categorized as endangered and critically endangered respectivelyby IUCN (Table 3-17).62. Gangetic Dolphin (Platanista gangetica) is one of the important endangered aquaticmammals observed within the Project site (Figure 3-29). The population of this species is consideredto be decreasing day by day. The Ganges River dolphin is listed in CITES-Appendix I and IUCN –asvulnerable. The species have been adversely affected by human use of the River system.Entanglement in fishing nets is causing significant damage to the local population numbers. Due todecreasing of River depth, excessive movement of water transport vehicles causing the segregationof the populations and a narrowed gene pool in which dolphin can breed. Sometimes dams preventthe River dolphin from making its local migrations and separate potentially breeding populations ofanimals from one another. Young ones are born year-round in this species, but most births occurbetween October and March. A significant birth peak takes place in December and January, at thebeginning of the dry season. This period is very important for their survival. Gestation lasts eight tonine months. Some individual dolphins are still taken each year by illegal hunting for their oil and meatthat is used as a liniment.Figure 3-29: Important wildlife habitats around the bridge site.3-40