DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Geographic Information System technology has played a central role in mapping and monitoring the population of the endangered Indus River dolphin in the southern region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, as the provincial wildlife department completed a comprehensive census along a designated stretch of the Indus River. Conducted under the Project Conservation and Management of Indus River Dolphin, the weeklong survey marked a shift toward data driven conservation practices, with officials relying on digital mapping tools instead of conventional visual estimation methods to document the species’ presence and habitat conditions.
Divisional Forest Officer Khan Malook Khan and Sub Divisional Wildlife Officer Malik supervised the exercise, which integrated Geographic Information System based mapping to accurately track dolphin sightings between Chashma Barrage and the Ramak area. According to officials, a total of 135 dolphins were recorded during the survey. By using spatial data tools, experts were able to document precise coordinates, identify deep water pools, and trace movement corridors critical for the survival of the species. The technology enabled conservation teams to assess habitat quality and population distribution with improved accuracy, creating a digital record that can be referenced for future monitoring and ecological assessments.
Officials said that beyond counting the animals, the GIS based survey provided layered insights into environmental patterns, water flow variations, and potential risk zones where dolphins are more vulnerable to stranding or habitat disruption. The wildlife department has also been running community awareness campaigns to encourage sustainable fishing practices and continues to conduct rescue operations for dolphins that stray into irrigation canals. By integrating field observations with geospatial analysis, authorities are building a structured conservation database that supports quicker response planning and more informed resource allocation.
Preliminary findings indicate a notable increase in the dolphin population in this stretch of the river, underscoring both the ecological significance of the area and the impact of sustained conservation measures. Officials described the digital survey as a scientific baseline that will guide habitat management strategies, policy formulation, and long term species protection planning. The adoption of Geographic Information System tools reflects a broader trend of applying technology to environmental management, enabling provincial authorities to combine wildlife conservation with modern data analytics to safeguard one of Pakistan’s most endangered aquatic mammals.
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