Some of the greatest minds on earth live in the sea. Also known as orcaella brevirostris, the rare dolphins were found in a study by WWF-Indonesia and the Regional Office for Marine, Coastal & Resources Management Pontianak (BPSPL).
“The presence of Irrawaddy dolphins in the waters of West Kalimantan was previously unknown, so we are delighted with the results of this preliminary study and hope this will help reveal information about the population and the distribution of this unique species.”
Albertus Tjiu, WWF-Indonesian Conservation Biologist and one of the study’s leading scientists.
The team also encountered a group of humpback dolphins, which clearly evidences how rich the biodiversity of the Kalimantan waters are.
“The results of this study demonstrate the importance of protecting dolphin’s habitat, from the rivers’ source in the Heart of Borneo.”
“To the lower rivers of the island, including the waterways of the Batu Ampar mangroves and nypah forests, the narrow straits and the coastal areas of Kubu Raya, West Kalimantan.”
Globally, there are about 6,000 Irrawaddy dolphins, with the majority in the coastal waters of Bangladesh.
The remaining population is scattered throughout Southeast Asia and can be found in Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Australia’s northeastern coast.
The Irrawaddy dolphins are classified by the IUCN as vulnerable, but in some areas – including the Mekong, Ayeyawardi and Mahakam rivers in East Kalimantan – the species is listed as critically endangered.
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