Why are the Irrawaddy dolphins threatened in Cambodia?
Why are the Irrawaddy dolphins threatened in Cambodia?
Conducting Research. WWF conducts research to learn about dolphin mortality, population and ecology. Each year, the Cambodian Mekong Dolphin Conservation Project conducts at least two population surveys of Irrawaddy dolphins in the Mekong River.
What do Conservationists believe is killing the Irrawaddy dolphins?
Conservation group the World Wildlife for Nature (WWF) said high levels of mercury and other pollutants had caused the deaths of 88 Mekong River Irrawaddy dolphins since 2003, over 60 percent of them calves under two weeks old. …
How did the Irrawaddy dolphin become endangered?
Populations of the Irrawaddy dolphin have been declining over the past 50 years and now the species is classified as Endangered. It is at risk of extinction throughout its range as a result of incidental catches and injuries, habitat degradation and destruction, and pollution.
Are there Irrawaddy dolphins in Cambodia?
The Mekong River Irrawaddy dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris) population inhabits a 190km stretch of the Mekong River between Cambodia and Lao PDR. The latest population is estimated between 64 and 76 members (2008 figures).
Why is the Irrawaddy dolphin important?
The dolphins are an important indicator of the health and sound management of the freshwater resources, and their decline could signal a potentially devastating decline in the health of the entire river ecosystem.
Are Irrawaddy dolphins endangered?
Not extinct
Irrawaddy dolphin/Extinction status
What is the lifespan of a Irrawaddy dolphin?
30 to 50 years
The life span of Irrawaddy dolphin is estimated to be 30 to 50 years. The species generally occurs in small groups of 2-7 individuals, but sometimes may travel in groups as large as 14. Similar to bats and other dolphins, the Irrawaddy dolphin uses echolocation to find fish, navigate and interact with each other.
Why are Irrawaddy dolphins dying?
The deaths of Irrawaddy dolphins are mainly attributable to fishing using electricity, mines, poison and restricted fishing nets, according to U Maung Maung Oo. He also called on the authorities to take harsher action against illegal fishing in the protected area.
Why should we save the Irrawaddy dolphin?
Why save dolphins? The dolphins are an important indicator of the health and sound management of the freshwater resources, and their decline could signal a potentially devastating decline in the health of the entire river ecosystem.
Are there bears in Cambodia?
Wildlife in Cambodia includes dholes, elephants, deer (sambar, Eld’s deer, hog deer and muntjac), wild oxen (banteng and gaur), panthers, bears, and tigers. Cambodia also has many endangered species, including Asian elephant, Siamese crocodile, wild water buffalo, and the Germain’s silver langur.
How many dolphins are in Cambodia?
89
There were 80 Irrawaddy dolphins in Cambodia in 2015, 92 in 2017, and 89 in 2020.
Are there any Dolphins in the Irrawaddy River?
A blood-orange sun casts a warm glow across the milky brown water, making it the ideal time to photograph the rare Irrawaddy river dolphins that congregate in deep, swirling pools. Not that these dolphins are particularly willing photo subjects, as the tourists on this day are finding out.
How did the Irawaddy River dolphin go extinct?
For decades, Cambodia’s Mekong River population of Irawaddy dolphins has verged on extinction. Once believed to have numbered in the thousands, the population began to plummet in the 1970s. During the violent reign of the Khmer Rouge and the years of war that followed, the dolphins were hunted for food.
How are Irrawaddy dolphins affected by human conflict?
Irrawaddy dolphins are more susceptible to human conflict than most other dolphins who live farther out in the ocean. Drowning in gillnets is the main threat to them throughout their range. Between 1995 and 2001, there were 38 reported deaths and 74% died as a result of entanglement in gill-nets with large mesh sizes.
How is the Irrawaddy dolphin similar to a killer whale?
The Irrawaddy dolphin is similar to the beluga in appearance, though most closely related to the killer whale. It has a large melon and a blunt, rounded head, and the beak is indistinct. The dorsal fin, located about two-thirds posterior along the back, is short, blunt, and triangular.