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Time of India
7 days ago
- Time of India
10 unique creatures found in Indian rivers
Indian rivers are holy and have mythological stories behind each of them. These rivers provide shelter to some of the unique creatures too. One can find the Ganges dolphin and otters to cryptic fish, turtles, and stingrays found nowhere else on Earth. Most of these marine gems are endangered, and efforts are being made to conserve them. Let's look at 10 fascinating river creatures in India: Ganges River Dolphin This dolphin is mostly known as susu and is also India's National Aquatic Animal, which was recognized in 2009. This species is mostly found in the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna–Karnaphuli river basins. This species has been listed as endangered by IUCN and is a blind species which navigates and hunts by echolocation. They prefer deep pools with countercurrents as their habitat. Chel Snakehead This species was extinct since the early 20th century but was then rediscovered in 2024 in the Chel River of West Bengal. This is considered the largest snakehead species with bright green scales and yellow-orange stripes on it. The tribal communities mostly know it as Bora Chung. This species is mostly spotted during the monsoon season. This species also has a labyrinth organ, which helps it breathe atmospheric air and also survive in waters where oxygen percentage is low. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Golden Mahseer This species is mostly found in the Himalayan rivers like Ganges, Brahmaputra, Indus basins and is famous mainly in Uttarakhand or Himachal Pradesh. This has also been listed as an endangered species due to overfishing, habitat fragmentation, and damming. This fish is known for its fantastic leaps and for its great strength, which is why it is known as the tiger of rivers. Mugger Crocodile This species is mostly found in slow-moving rivers, lakes, and reservoirs like in the Chambal and Narmada systems. This species is a predator that feeds on fish, turtles, birds, and other marine species and shares its habitat with gharials. The mugger crocodile has been listed as vulnerable in the IUCN list, and some successful projects in crocodile reserves have boosted numbers. Smooth-coated Otter This otter species is present across major rivers in India like the Ganges basin, Western Ghats, and even in Tamil Nadu and Gujarat. These otters feed on fish, crabs, insects, small rodents, and are often seen fishing in groups in a V formation. The Tungabhadra Otter Conservation Reserve was established to conserve this species in the Tungabhadra River. They have been under threat due to the loss of wetlands, pollution, poaching, or local consumption. Indian Softshell Turtle These turtles are mostly found in the Ganges, Yamuna, Godavari, and other major rivers. They can also be considered as threatened or vulnerable. These turtles have a leathery shell and burrow themselves in sand beds and are considered to be carnivorous. They can easily be found in healthy river habitats. Turtle hatcheries and protected nesting zones have been made to conserve these species. Ganges Whipray This species is mostly found in the Ganges basin and has been listed as endangered by IUCN. This species has a flattened body with a venomous tail spine, and its traits match that of a large freshwater stingray. Earlier, this species was found in the Ganges-Brahmaputra and Meghna systems, but now due to overfishing, river modification, and water pollution, it is severely fragmented. Dwarf Pufferfish The pufferfish is mostly found in the Western Ghats in the rivers of Kerala and Karnataka, mostly in slow-flowing rivers. This is a tiny fish with a bright color, and its beak is such that it can break a shell to feed on snails and is also considered to have territorial behavior. The fish can be considered an indicator of water quality and is under threat due to pollution and the aquarium trade. Malabar Snakehead This fish species is only found in the Western Ghat rivers in Kerala and Karnataka and is a predatory fish that is considered to have aggressive behavior. It also builds bubble nests for breeding. This type of fish creates an ecological balance by feeding on smaller fish and mostly feeds on other marine species in hill streams. Malabar snakehead is listed as vulnerable by IUCN and is threatened by habitat loss and sand extraction. Goonch Catfish The Goonch Catfish is mostly found in large rivers in the Indian subcontinent like Ganges tributaries and Brahmaputra, as well as in the Kali River in Uttarakhand. This is considered to be a predator fish and plays a major role in controlling fish populations and also in nutrient cycling. This species is vulnerable to overfishing and habitat loss, and no efforts have been made to conserve this species of fish. (Image Credits: Canva and Istock)
Korea Herald
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Filmmaker Park Chan-wook to speak at Seoul International Book Fair
Cannes-winning director joins diverse lineup alongside author Bora Chung, actor Park Jeong-min, star chef Choi Kang-rok Filmmaker Park Chan-wook, renowned for his visually striking and psychologically complex films, will participate in the 2025 Seoul International Book Fair, the annual book fair's organizer announced Wednesday. Park has often drawn inspiration from literature, adapting several novels into screen productions including the HBO series "The Sympathizer" (2024) and the BBC series "The Little Drummer Girl" (2019). During his talk on June 20, titled Park Chan-wook's Literary Anchors, Park will discuss elements of novels that captivate him, the process of translating literature into cinema, and the books that have deeply influenced his creative vision, according to SIBF. The 2025 SIBF, organized by the Korean Publishers Association and held June 18-22 at Coex in Seoul, invites visitors to reflect on the idea of personal refuge in uncertain times under the theme, "The Last Resort." This year's fair will welcome over 530 publishers and literary organizations including 100 overseas publishers from 16 countries. A diverse lineup of Korean authors will be present, including Kim Ae-ran, Kim Cho-yeop, Kim Ho-yeon, Park Seo-lyeon, Sohn Won-pyung, Jang Ryu-jin, Cho Ye-eun, Cheon Seon-ran and Choi Jin-young. International Booker-shortlisted author Bora Chung of "Cursed Bunny," will debut her new release, "The Children's House," while Korean American author Kim Ju-hye of "Beasts of a Little Land" will discuss her latest novel, "City of Night Birds." Actor and publisher Park Jeong-min will also join the lineup, and star chef Choi Kang-rok from "Culinary Class Wars" will unveil his new book. Taiwan has been selected as this year's Guest of Honor. Featured events will include a conversation between Rex How, writer and publisher at Locus Publishing Company, and picture book artist Lee Suzy. Illustrator Bei Lynn and graphic novel artist Keum Suk Gendry-Kim will also have a book talk. Tickets are available at a 50 percent early bird discount (6,000 won) until May 27. From May 28 to June 17, a 30 percent discount (8,000 won) will apply. Standard adult admission is 12,000 won.
