Understanding the Human Dimensions of Trade in Endangered Ganges River Dolphin

ABSTRACT Stakeholders' engagement in conservation planning is key to the success of any in situ conservation programme. Therefore, an understanding of stakeholders' knowledge, attitudes and perceptions is important. In this study, we investigated the accidental and intentional illegal catch of the endangered Ganges River dolphin ( Platanista gangetica ) in the lower Gangetic plains region, Bangladesh, and assessed the knowledge, attitude and perceptions of dolphin‐stakeholder groups in the value chain (88 general fishermen, 16 catfish fishermen, eight dolphin hunters, six dolphin oil producers and 31 fishing store keepers). General fishermen and dolphin hunters captured 139 P. gangetica since 2000, of which 93% were sold for making dolphin oil. The fate of accidentally caught dolphins was affected by the level of education of fishermen. Only 3.4% of general fishermen and 9.7% of fishing store keepers were aware of the threatened status of the species. Respondent stakeholders had no training on dolphins and their conservation, and were unaware of dolphin conservation laws. Poor knowledge of fish oil, an alternative to dolphin oil for catfish fishing, was also recorded. Stakeholders' responses to various dolphin conservation issues revealed a conflict of interests among stakeholder groups and negligence regarding several conservation issues. We recommend the inclusion of all stakeholder groups in dolphin conservation management, ensuring proper education through training and frequent policing for illegal catch. In addition, rewarding general fishermen for each successful release of accidentally caught dolphins and exploration of alternate livelihood opportunities for dolphin hunters are also suggested.