Dolphin
Explanation
The term "Susu" is the local vernacular name for the Ganges River Dolphin, a freshwater cetacean species endemic to the river systems of the Indian subcontinent.
Detailed Analysis
- The Ganges River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica) is found in the Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu river systems of India, Nepal, and Bangladesh.
- It is locally referred to as "Susu" (or "Soons") due to the characteristic sound it produces when breathing while surfacing.
- This species is effectively blind and relies entirely on echolocation (emitting ultrasonic sounds) to navigate and hunt in the murky river waters.
- The presence of the Susu is considered an indicator of the health of the river ecosystem.
- It has been declared the National Aquatic Animal of India.
Key Takeaway:
"Susu" refers to the Ganges River Dolphin, a blind freshwater species that navigates using echolocation and serves as an indicator of river health.