2016 Indus River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica minor) 5-Year Review: Summary and Evaluation

A 5-year review is a periodic analysis of a species’ status conducted to ensure that the listing classification of a species as threatened or endangered on the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants (List) (50 CFR 17.11 – 17.12) is accurate. The 5­ year review is required by section 4(c)(2) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA) and was prepared pursuant to the joint National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife 5-year Review Guidance and template (NOAA Fisheries and USFWS 2010). The NOAA Fisheries Office of Protected Resources led the 5-year review with input from NOAA Fisheries regional offices and science centers. We relied on peer-reviewed publications, government and technical reports, conference papers, dissertations, and theses. Information was gathered through May 2016. The information on the Indus River dolphin (Platanista gangetica minor) biology and habitat, threats, and conservation efforts were summarized and analyzed in light of the ESA section 4(a)(1) factors (see Section 2.3.2.1) to determine whether a reclassification or delisting may be warranted (see Section 3.0). NOAA Fisheries initiated a 5-year review of the Indus River dolphin (Platanista gangetica minor) and solicited information from the public on February 23, 2016 (81 FR 8923). NOAA Fisheries received information on the species biology and conservation from the Marine Mammal Commission and from one researcher.