The Irrawaddy dolphin, a unique species with a rounded face resembling a beluga whale, is facing severe threats to its survival. With fewer than 300 individuals remaining in the wild, the urgency to conserve this adorable marine mammal has never been greater.
Globally, there are over 40 dolphin species, with six classified as endangered. The Irrawaddy dolphin, found in brackish waters across several countries in South and Southeast Asia, is particularly vulnerable due to harmful fishing practices.
Population Counts: Irrawaddy dolphin populations are critically low in several regions:
Malampaya Sound (Philippines): 77 dolphins
Mekong River: 125 dolphins
Mahakam River (Indonesia): 70 dolphins
Ayeyarwady River (Myanmar): 58 to 72 dolphins
The primary threat to these dolphins comes from gillnets used in overfished waters, which they cannot detect due to their thin, clear material. As a result, many dolphins become entangled and drown.
Despite these challenges, conservation efforts in the Greater Mekong region have shown promise. In 2015, initiatives led by the World Wildlife Fund resulted in the removal of illegal gillnets and the arrest of poachers. These actions contributed to a population increase, with 32 calves born in 2018 and the current population rising to 125.
The Irrawaddy dolphin's fate hangs in the balance, but with continued conservation efforts, there is hope for their recovery.