Surveys are usually conducted in March to May when dolphins congregate around deep pool areas in the low water. [22] In return, the dolphins are rewarded with some of the fishers' bycatch. Some dolphins accidentally become entangled in the net. Irrawaddy dolphins are primarily threatened by bycatch, the accidental capture of aquatic animals in fishing gear. The 19 th century naturalist John Anderson described the Irrawaddy dolphin in the Ayeyarwaddy River as morphologically distinct from other Orcaella brevirostris. If you were hoping to spot this playful-looking mammal … This bacterial infection affects many organs in the body of the animal. Irrawaddy Dolphin. The bacterial infection, chorioamnionitis, is common in many marine animals, but when these few dolphins were taken in, the scientists discovered this same bacterial infection for the first time in this group of dolphins. In Burma, electrofishing, gold mining, and dam building are also serious and continuing threats. [11], Although sometimes called the Irrawaddy river dolphin, it is not a true river dolphin, but an oceanic dolphin that lives in brackish water near coasts, river mouths, and estuaries. The discovery of 10 new baby dolphins on the coast of Cambodia was a relief and gave hope that the endangered Irrawaddy dolphins would make a comeback in population. One of the earliest recorded descriptions of the Irrawaddy dolphin was by Sir Richard Owen in 1866 based on a specimen found in 1852, in the harbour of Visakhapatnam on the east coast of India. Between January and February 2006, a dozen Irrawaddy dolphins were found dead. De Irrawaddydolfijn (Orcaella brevirostris) is een walvis uit de familie der grondeldolfijnen (Monodontidae), alhoewel hij regelmatig wordt ingedeeld bij de dolfijnen (Delphinidae). But this vast, seasonally flooded maze of rivers, swamps and islands is so much more than an exotic holiday destination. Animal Diversity Web, n.d. [22] Protective measures in the area include mandatory release of entangled dolphins, prohibition of the catching or killing of dolphins and trade in whole or parts of them, and the prohibition of electrofishing and gillnets more than 91 metres (300 ft) long, or spaced less than 180 metres (600 ft) apart. To make more efforts to keep these animals from going extinct, the use of fishing nets on the coast of Cambodia is banned, as well. Observations of captive animals indicate food may be taken into the mouth by suction. [30], The Irrawaddy dolphins in Asia are increasingly threatened by tourist activity, such as large numbers of boats circulating the areas in which they live. With technical support provided by the project, the municipality of Taytay and the Malampaya park management developed fishery policies to minimize the threats to the Irrawaddy dolphin from bycatch capture. Its short beak appears very different from those of other dolphins, and its mouth is known for having 12-19 peg-like teeth on each side of the jaws. The irrawaddy dolphin is classed as endangered by the ICUN, and it's little wonder. When 277 group dives were timed (time of disappearance of the last dolphin in the group to the emergence of the first dolphin in the group) in Laos, mean duration was 115.3  seconds with a range of 19  seconds to 7.18  minutes. One of the dolphins was pregnant and before her death was found circling around the bottom of the pool and was found dead early the next morning. The protection of the Irrawaddy dolphin is crucial for the overall health of the Mekong River—home to an estimated 1,100 species of fish. The forehead is high and rounded; the beak is lacking. [52], Myanmar's Department of Fisheries took charge in December 2005, and instituted a protected region in a 74 km (46 mi) segment of the Ayeyarwady River between Mingun and Kyaukmyaung and created multiple provisions, as well. Lifespan is about 30 years. These prey entrapments occur slightly below the water surface level. [8] They do this sometimes while spyhopping and during feeding, apparently to expel water ingested during fish capture or possibly to herd fish. They include fish, crustaceans, and cephalopods. This will create strong sound waves that could possibly kill the Irrawaddy dolphins due to their highly sensitive hearing structures.[26]. Drowning in gillnets is the main threat to them throughout their range. Due to anthropogenic activities, this number dwindled to 47 dolphins in 2007. Its gestation period is 14 months; cows give birth to a single calf every two to three years. Now, both explosive fishing and use of gillnets is restricted in many of the Irrawaddy dolphin's habitats. As a result we are involved in rescuing the Irrawaddy Dolphin from extinction. It has a slate blue to a slate gray color and are a part of genus Orcaella which is also known as snubfin dolphins. The finless porpoise (Neophocaena phocaenoides) is similar and has no back fin; the humpback dolphin (Sousa chinensis) is larger, and has a longer beak and a larger dorsal fin. These dolphins were said to be dead because of a lack of oxygen. It is bordered by China on the north, Laos on the east, Thailand on the southeast, Bangladesh on the west, and the India on the northwest, with the Andaman Sea to the … They are generally found in groups of 2-3 animals, though sometimes as many as 25 individuals have been known to congregate in deep pools. Washington, DC 20037. The dorsal fin is small and rounded behind the middle of the back. In 2015, another new population was discovered in Bago in Negros Occidental, part of Negros island in the Visayas. It is often seen in estuaries and bays in Borneo Island, with sightings from Sandakan in Sabah, Malaysia, to most parts of Brunei and Sarawak, Malaysia. [31], Cutaneous nodules were found present in various vulnerable populations of Irrawaddy dolphins. Since the endangerment was evident, 66 guards have been posted on the coast of Cambodia to protect these dolphins, and only two deaths have been reported since these efforts. The IUCN lists five of the seven subpopulations as endangered, primarily due to drowning in fish nets. The Irrawaddy dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris) is a euryhaline species of oceanic dolphin found in discontinuous subpopulations near sea coasts and in estuaries and rivers in parts of the Bay of Bengal and Southeast Asia.It closely resembles the Australian snubfin dolphin (of the same genus, Orcaella) and was not described as a separate species until 2005. Its range extends from the Bay of Bengal to New Guinea and the Philippines, although it does not appear to venture off shore. Around the same time, chances of spotting the endangered Irrawaddy dolphins are high. It has a large melon and a blunt, rounded head, and the beak is indistinct. WWF collaborates with The Coca-Cola Company and local residents to address impacts from climate change in the Mekong River Basin through habitat restoration, infrastructure improvements and influencing local policy. 1250 24th Street, N.W. [1] In 2004, CITES transferred the Irrawaddy dolphin from Appendix II to Appendix I, which forbids all commercial trade in species that are threatened with extinction.[34]. This is also the only place in Myanmar to spot the saltwater crocodile. There are approximately 6,000 Irrawaddy river dolphins left, with around 90 left in the Mekong River population in southeast Asia, while the pink Amazon river dolphin has a remaining population of around 9,000. Length is about 1 m (3.3 ft) at birth. Make a symbolic animal adoption to help save some of the world's most endangered animals from extinction and support WWF's conservation efforts. The government of Laos has made use of such tactics illegal, but few regulations have been made in neighboring Cambodia, where explosives are sold in local markets and the practice of using fishnets has been abandoned. It is not a test of your knowledge. [citation needed], Communication is carried out with clicks, creaks, and buzzes at a dominant frequency of about 60  kilohertz, which is thought to be used for echolocation. The Irrawaddy dolphin is found in the Indian Ocean from the Bay of Bengal to Indonesia. It lives near the coast, in lagoons and estuaries, and even in freshwater river habitats. [33] Entanglement in fishnets and degradation of habitats are the main threats to Irrawaddy dolphins. However, they found this to be the first case they saw of Irrawaddy dolphins having bacterial infections. A specimen was collected at Mahakam River in East Kalimantan.[1]. [4] It is one of two species in its genus. Presence of the species in Chinese, Taiwanese, and Hong Kong's waters has been questioned as the reported sightings have been considered unreliable,[12] and the easternmost of ranges along Eurasian continent is in Vietnam. The protection measures in the area include prohibition of catching or killing of dolphins and trade in whole or parts of them, and prohibiting the use of gillnets. All rights reserved. The program not only educates and surveys the public, but also monitors the dolphin population and their habitat. The UNEP-CMS Action Plan for the Conservation of Freshwater Populations of Irrawaddy dolphins notes that multiple-use protected areas will play a key role for conserving freshwater populations. The aim is to support the survival of the remaining population through targeted conservation activities, research, and education. [58] Web. For the next millennium, the Burmese empire grew through conquests of Thailand (Ayutthaya) and India … Irrawaddy dolphins can be found in three rivers — the Ayeyarwady (in Myanmar), the Mahakam (Indonesian Borneo) and the Mekong — and coastal areas of South and Southeast Asia. Bony fish and fish eggs, cephalopods, and crustaceans are taken as food. In contrast, Khmer-Islam fisherman kill them for food. In several Asian countries, Irrawaddy dolphins have been captured and trained to perform in public aquaria. The mammal is found in the Khao Sam Roi Yot Marine National Park in Thailand. This caused the dolphins to dive significantly longer than usual. They are relatively slow moving but can sometimes be seen spyhopping and rolling to one side while waving a flipper and occasionally breaching. The Irrawaddy dolphin is also regarded as a sacred animal by both Khmer and Lao people, and is an important source of income and jobs for communities involved in dolphin-watching ecotourism. Weaning is after two years. In the past, the most direct threat was killing them for their oil. Protected areas in fresh water could be a particularly effective conservation tool and can facilitate management, due to the fidelity of the species to relatively circumscribed areas. Khmer and Vietnamese fishermen have regarded the Orcaella as a sacred animal. A more precise estimate of the affected dolphins is six populations. [49], Some major concern for the population in the Mekong River has arisen due to numerous threats. Typically living in groups ranging from just a few individuals to more than 100, they form several types of groups, which include nursery groups, juvenile groups, and groups of adult males. Vernacular names for the Irrawaddy dolphin include:[5][4][6], The Irrawaddy dolphin's colour is grey to dark slate blue, paler underneath, without a distinctive pattern. Protection from international trade is provided by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Speak up for species and places through WWF's Action Center. The species name brevirostris comes from the Latin meaning short-beaked. Laos's government decision is to forge the dam upstream of the core habitat of the Irrawaddy dolphins. "Orcaella Brevirostris." [23] Historically, Irrawaddy River fishers claimed particular dolphins were associated with individual fishing villages and chased fish into their nets. A herd of dolphins that agrees to work alongside the fisherman will entrap a school of fish in a semicircle, guiding them towards the boat. Myanmar's ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi is said to be 'missing' after a military junta moved her from house arrest to an undisclosed location as violent protests continue. Retrieved 2014-10-19, Marsh H, Lloze R, Heinsohn GE, Kasuya T (1989). The project was completed in 2007. This could threaten the existence of the endangered Irrawaddy dolphins in downstream Cambodia. In 2008, the Department of Forestry and Sarawak Forestry Cooperative in Sarawak established a protected area for Irrawaddy dolphins in Santubong and Damai (Kuching Wetland). Irrawaddy dolphins in general however, are IUCN listed as an Endangered species, which applies throughout their whole range. They intertwine facing their bellies together and begin to copulate for 40 seconds. Irrawaddy dolphin -, Kreb D, Budiono (2005). The development of tours and boats has put a large strain on the dolphins. Conservation efforts are being made at international and national levels to alleviate these threats. [43] This area is patrolled by a network of river guards, specifically to protect dolphins. [50] The Si Phan Don Wetlands Project has successfully encouraged river communities to set aside conservation zones and establish laws to regulate how and when fish are caught. There are plenty of food items that this dolphin feeds upon. The bottlenose dolphin is a very social animal. Birth weight is about 10 kg (22 lb). Reports as of 2020 suggest there might be less than 100 left, making them an incredible sighting in the wild. A prime example of this is the establishment of patrols in several villages. [1] For example, the Malampaya population, first discovered and described in 1986, at the time consisted of 77 individuals. In India, Irawaddy dolphins are mostly found in Chilika Lake. The Mon and the Pyu are thought to have come from India, while the now dominant Bamar migrated through Tibet and, by 849, had founded a powerful kingdom centred on Bagan. [40] In 2005, The World Wide Fund For Nature (WWF) established the Cambodian Mekong Dolphin Conservation Project with support from government and local communities. Their beliefs and experiences have led the people of Laos and Cambodia to live peacefully alongside one another for ages until recent years, when the technique of using explosives for fishing has emerged. [1], Another identified threat towards the Irrawaddy dolphins was noise pollution from high-speed vessels. It … This is the lowest possible prioritization given to a protected area. Several national efforts are resulting in the reduction of threats to local Irrawaddy dolphin subpopulations: Portions of Irrawaddy dolphin habitat in the Sundarbans mangrove forest of Bangladesh are included within 139,700 ha (539 sq mi) of three wildlife sanctuaries, which are part of the Sunderbans World Heritage Site. [60] In January 2013, over a dozen dead Irrawaddy dolphins were found on the coast of Thailand. It closely resembles the Australian snubfin dolphin (of the same genus, Orcaella) and was not described as a separate species until 2005. [51] In April, after a 200-kg Irrawaddy dolphin was found dead on the coast of Laos, the death toll for Irrawaddy dolphins is now five in 2015. This project was expanded to include Cambodia, after the majority of the dolphin population was determined to have been killed or migrated to Laos' southern neighbor. The Irrawaddy dolphin is also regarded as a sacred animal by both Khmer and Lao people, and is an important source of income and jobs for communities involved in dolphin-watching ecotourism. Collateral deaths of dolphins due to blast fishing were once common in Vietnam and Thailand. When captive humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) and Irrawaddy dolphins were held together, reportedly the Irrawaddy dolphins were frequently chased and confined to a small portion of the tank by the dominant humpbacks. [27] In 2002, there were more than 80 dolphinariums in at least nine Asian countries.[28]. WWF teaches local communities about dolphin and environmental conservation issues, as well as developing community fishery management zones to help sustainably manage fish and conserve dolphins. Join us to make change. Gear studies and gear modification to conserve the dolphin species were implemented. [62], CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (. The following quiz will have 5-10 MCQs. This endangered cetacean has a distinctive appearance, with a round head and no beak. World Wildlife Fund Inc. is a nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization (tax ID number 52-1693387) under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Known subpopulations of Irrawaddy dolphins are found in eight places, listed here in order of population, including conservation status. The two snubfin dolphins were only recognised as separate species in 2005 when a genetic analysis showed that the population found along the coast of northern Australia forms a second species in the genus Orcaella. [42] On 24 August 2012, the Cambodian government announced that 180-kilometre-long (110 mi) stretch of the Mekong River from eastern Kratie province to the border with Laos has been stated as limit fishing zone which uses floating houses, fishing cages and gill nets are disallowed, but simple fishing is allowed. Many fishermen on the Bang Pakong River, Prachinburi Province, have been persuaded by authorities to stop shrimp fishing in a certain area and 30 to 40 fishing boats have been modified so they can offer dolphin sightseeing tours. It has established subpopulations in freshwater rivers, including the Ganges and the Mekong, as well as the Irrawaddy River from which it takes its name. The practice of using explosives instead has become very popular and led to a steady decline of populations of fish, and especially the dolphins swimming in the area. The species gets its name from the Irrawaddy River in Myanmar. The commercial motivation for using this dolphin species is high because it can live in freshwater tanks and the high cost of marine aquarium systems is avoided. The government may also start small- and medium-scale research of this species at Sarawak Malaysia University with sponsorship from Sarawak Shell. Its wetland ecosystems support a biological treasure trove and hold an extraordinary array of wildlife. Conservation management of small core areas: key to survival of a Critically Endangered population of Irrawaddy river dolphins, Museo di storia naturale e del territorio dell'Università di Pisa, "Proposal for inclusion of species on the appendices of the convention on the conservation of migratory species of wild animals", "Irrawaddy dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris)", https://swfsc.noaa.gov/uploadedFiles/Divisions/PRD/Publications/Zhouetal95(26).pdf, "Large population of endangered dolphins found in Bangladesh", "Study: Bangladesh hosts 6,000 rare dolphins", "Dolphin population in Odisha's Chilika Lake rises to 156", "Irrawaddy dolphin demography in the Mekong River: An application of mark-resight models", "Only 42 left of endangered Irrawaddy dolphins in northern Palawan", "Rare dolphins make Negros coastal waters their home", "Castnet Fishing with the Help of Irrawaddy Dolphins", "Conservation management of small core areas: key to survival of a Critically Endangered population of Irrawaddy river dolphins Orcaella brevirostris in Indonesia", http://eds.a.ebscohost.com/eds/detail/detail?sid=ea3b7b96-709f-4233-b5d0-ed1728842607%2540sessionmgr4005&vid=4&hid=4202&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWRzLWxpdmU%253d#db=pwh&AN=6E84043988717, "Irrawaddy Dolphins Gain Trade Protection Under CITES; WWF Urges Countries to Stop All Live Captures", "Rare Palawan dolphins now down to 47 - WWF", "Tourism threatens rare Irrawaddy dolphins", "Web of Science [v.5.19] - All Databases Full Record", "CITES takes action to promote sustainable wildlife", "Conservation status of Irrawaddy Dolphins", "Appendix I and Appendix II of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS)", "Convention on Migratory Species page on the Irrawaddy Dolphin", "Memorandum of Understanding for the Conservation of Cetaceans and Their Habitats in the Pacific Islands Region", "Asian Dolphin, Feared Dying, Is Thriving", "LAW ON FISHERIES (Unofficial Translation supported by ADB/FAO TA Project on Improving the Regulatory and Management Framework for Inland Fisheries )", "Kratie Declaration Offers Hope for Mekong Dolphins", "Cambodia Creates Safe Zones for Mekong Dolphins", "Integrating Biodiversity and Hydrological Processes into Conservation Planning at the Landscape Scale", "Irrawaddy Dolphins Disappearing from the Mekong", http://eds.a.ebscohost.com/eds/detail/detail?vid=6&sid=9f065f13-9bb4-4c56-ae75-b24d328ff041%2540sessionmgr4002&hid=4111&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWRzLWxpdmU%253d#AN=G90EPPP20150406.00011&db=pwh, "Site Of Human-dolphin Partnership Becomes Protected Area", "Malampaya Sound Ecological Studies Project", "PGMA to push for sustainable management of Coral Triangle", "Incorporating information about marine species of conservation concern and their habitats into a network of MPAs for the Coral Triangle region (Draft)", "Dozen Irrawaddy dolphins found dead off Thailand's eastern coast", Transcript of briefing by Burmese marine biologist Tint Tun, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Irrawaddy_dolphin&oldid=1003580619, Articles with dead external links from December 2015, All Wikipedia articles written in Indian English, Articles with unsourced statements from May 2020, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 29 January 2021, at 17:42. Many of the dolphins are found dead in the water, and others were washed ashore, said to have been dead for a few days. [7] Maximum recorded length is 2.75 m (9.0 ft) of a male in Thailand. Animaldiversity.umich.edu. [4], A female or male dolphin will attempt to pursue a mate for about a few minutes. [21] In Burma, in the upper reaches of the Ayeyarwady River, Irrawaddy dolphins drive fish towards fishers using cast nets in response to acoustic signals from them. Some even claim that the dolphins have saved drowning villagers and protected people from attacks by crocodiles. The Action Plan provides details on strategies for mitigating by-catch that includes: The Irrawaddy dolphin is listed on both Appendix I and Appendix II of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS). In 2012 in Vietnam, a group of scientists took in four Irrawaddy dolphins and provided them with medical care to see how they would survive. This could precipitate the extinction of this specific species in the Mekong River. Part of this project compensated fishers for the loss of nets damaged to free entangled dolphins. Although Laotians may not use explosives, they do use nylon gillnets, which pose another large threat to the survival of the Irrawaddy. This has led to the dolphin being reputed to recognize the local languages of the area and approach the Khmer-Islam with caution. We also support alternative livelihood development such as aquaculture, chicken raising and home-gardens, to reduce fishing pressure and bycatch of dolphins, as well as alleviate poverty in riverside communities. If the Irrawaddy dolphin looks familiar, it may be due to the dolphin's resemblance to the beluga whale, which is in the same family as the Irrawaddy dolphin… To protect the dolphins, patrol vessels ensure boats stay at least 30 m (98 ft) away from dolphins and no chasing of or running through schools of dolphins occurs. During foraging periods, herds of about 7 dolphins will circle around prey and trap their victim. Save Irrawaddy Dolphin Activity The Irrawaddy Dolphin being aware of Myanmar’s identity, we believe in conservation. The Irrawaddy dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris) is a euryhaline species of oceanic dolphin found in discontinuous subpopulations near sea coasts and in estuaries and rivers in parts of the Bay of Bengal and Southeast Asia. [55][56] In 2006, a new population was discovered in Guimaras island in the Visayas. The dolphin was 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) in length and most likely in her late 20s. [9][10] Traveling and staying in groups not only enables Irrawaddy dolphins to hunt, but it also creates and maintains social bonds and allows copulation to occur. The delta of the Irrawaddy begins about 93 kilometres (58 mi) above Hinthada (Henzada) and about 290 kilometres (180 mi) from its curved base, which faces the Andaman Sea.The westernmost distributary of the delta is the Pathein (Bassein) River, while the easternmost stream is the Yangon River, on the left bank of which stands Myanmar's former capital city, Yangon … Once copulation has occurred, the dolphins will break away from each other and set off in different directions.[11]. Although found in much of the riverine and marine zones of South and Southeast Asia, the only concentrated lagoon populations are found in Chilika Lake in Odisha, India and Songkhla Lake in southern Thailand.[3]. View our inclusive approach to conservation, Critically endangered Irrawaddy dolphins and the world’s most productive freshwater fishery saved from destructive dam, Numbers of Critically Endangered Mekong River Dolphin Stable. [59] The local fishing industry is blamed for the deaths of the dolphins. The Irrawaddy dolphin is an ocean dolphin found in Southeast Asia and the Bay of Bengal. In a significant step forward for nature and communities that depend on the mighty Mekong River, the Cambodian government has abandoned plans to build the Sambor hydropower dam and has put a 10-year moratorium on any new dams on the Mekong mainstem. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law. [6] Mercury poisoning and habitat loss from gold-mining dredging operations in the river have been eliminated[53], In 2000, Malampaya Sound was proclaimed a protected seascape. Groups of fewer than six individuals are most common, but sometimes up to 15 dolphins are seen together. These dolphins are thought to reach sexual maturity at seven to nine years. The Orcaella dolphins are close relatives of the oceanic dolphins in Globicephalinae subfamily. [24], Laotians and Cambodians have a common belief that the Irrawaddy dolphins are reincarnations of their ancestors. [5], Interspecific competition has been observed when Irrawaddy dolphins were forced inshore and excluded by more specialized dolphins. In addition, WWF is working to address human-elephant impacts on the ground in Myanmar that are also closely linked to poaching. [24] The majority of reported dolphin deaths in all subpopulations is due to accidental capture and drowning in gillnets and dragnets, and in the Philippines, bottom-set crabnets. [44], The Irrawaddy dolphin (under the common name of snubfin dolphin, with the scientific name misspelled as Oreaella brevezastris) is included the Indian Wildlife Protection Act,[45] Schedule I,[46] which bans their killing, transport and sale of products. [36] It is listed on Appendix I[36] as this species has been categorized as being in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant proportion of their range and CMS Parties strive towards strictly protecting these animals, conserving or restoring the places where they live, mitigating obstacles to migration and controlling other factors that might endanger them, as well on Appendix II[36] as it has an unfavourable conservation status or would benefit significantly from international co-operation organized by tailored agreements. In Myanmar, WWF supports protection efforts to counter the killing of elephants for their skin, which is marketed for various purposes. Myanmar is a country in Southeast Asia.Its full name is the Republic of the Union of Myanmar.It is also sometimes called Burma.Myanmar is a country in Southeast Asia that is not an island. The Mekong Delta: home to floating markets, Khmer pagodas and villages surrounded by shimmering emerald rice paddies.