A Geographic Information System (GIS)-based survey has confirmed the presence of 135 Indus River dolphins in the Dera Ismail Khan stretch of the Indus River, marking a significant development in ongoing conservation efforts.
The survey was conducted by the Wildlife Division Dera Ismail Khan under the supervision of Divisional Forest Officer Khan Malook Khan and Sub-Divisional Wildlife Officer Malik Saqib. It was carried out under the “Conservation and Management of Indus River Dolphin in D.I. Khan” project.
The fieldwork began on February 18, 2026, and concluded on February 24, 2026. The officials utilized modern GIS technology to ensure accurate mapping, monitoring, and documentation of dolphin populations within the designated river stretch.
According to the survey report, a total of 135 Indus River dolphins were recorded in the Dera Ismail Khan area of the Indus River. The survey covered the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa limits of the river from Chashma Barrage to the Ramak area. In addition to population counting, the team identified key habitats, family groupings, and movement corridors to assess population distribution and living conditions comprehensively.
The findings indicate a noticeable increase in the dolphin population in this segment of the river, reflecting the ecological significance of the area and the effectiveness of ongoing conservation measures.