Shibsha Dolphin Sanctuary
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| Shibsha Dolphin Sanctuary | |
|---|---|
  Location in Bangladesh | |
| Location | Khulna, Khulna Division, Bangladesh |
| Coordinates | 22°30′N 89°42′E / 22.50°N 89.70°E |
| Area | 2,155 hectares (21.55 km²) |
| Established | 2020 |
| Governing body | Bangladesh Forest Department |
Shibsha Dolphin Sanctuary (Bengali: শিবসা শুশুক অভয়ারণ্য) is a designated dolphin sanctuary located in the Shibsha River in the Sundarbans area of Khulna District, Bangladesh. On 4 March 2020, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (Bangladesh) officially declared it a protected area under the Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Act, 2012.[1][2][3][4] The main objective of the sanctuary is to ensure the conservation and reproductive safety of the Ganges river dolphin and the Irrawaddy dolphin.[5][6]
The sanctuary covers a section of the Shibsha River located between Dacope and Paikgachha in Khulna District. It spans about 2,155 hectares (21.55 square kilometres).[7][8] The Shibsha River lies in the eastern part of the Sundarbans and serves as an important habitat for local fisheries and aquatic biodiversity.[9][10]
History
Due to the declining numbers of river and coastal cetaceans in Bangladesh, the government initiated the declaration of special aquatic sanctuaries under the Wildlife Act of 2012.[11][12] In 2020, nine rivers and estuaries were simultaneously declared dolphin sanctuaries, including Shibsha. Prior to the declaration, joint surveys by the Forest Department and UNDP found that the density of Ganges river dolphins in the Shibsha River was comparatively high.[13]
Biodiversity
The sanctuary is home mainly to two species of freshwater and coastal dolphins:
- Ganges river dolphin ( Platanista gangetica gangetica)[14]
- Irrawaddy dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris)
Additionally, the river supports various species of fish, crabs, shrimp, and birds, which play an important role in maintaining the balance of local biodiversity.[15]
