Have you ever heard of a case where a fisherman claimed that the rival fisherman had taken a share of fish herded by the plaintiff’s dolphin? A totally bizarre claim, right? It might be bizarre to us but not according to the 1879 report of the Burmese native court. So, who is this fisherman’s friend? Closely related to the killer whale, the Irrawaddy dolphin is one of the world’s three only euryhaline cetaceans.
The Plight of the Irrawaddy Dolphin
The Irrawaddy dolphin’s populations are fragmented across around eight known locations. The populations found in India and Bangladesh are currently classified as vulnerable. Meanwhile the remaining six populations are critically endangered. Tragically, last year marked the loss of the final known Irrawaddy dolphin in Laos, which succumbing to injuries inflicted by fishing nets. This devastating event further exacerbates the precarious situation of the Mekong River population. With this sad development, it becomes even more imperative to save these endangered creatures. The Irrawaddy Dolphins play a crucial role in maintaining the delicate balance of a well-branched food web as apex predators. Moreover, they serve as indicators of a healthy waterbody system.
These mammals were first sighted at Visakhapatnam harbour in 1852. However, the species was only officially recognized as a separate species only in 2005. This was following a genetic analysis with their Australian counterparts, the Australian snub dolphins.
Where is the Irrawaddy Dolphin found?
Currently, the dolphin’s range from Bay Bengal to Papua Guinea and the Philippines of which freshwater subpopulations thrive in Ayeyarwady (Myanmar), Mekong (Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam), Mahakam (Indonesia), brackish water in Sokhlam (Thailand), Malampaya Sound (Philippines Sundarbans (Bangladesh and India), Chilaca lake (India) and the rest in the southeast seas. Each freshwater subpopulation is believed to be separate, contributing to its unique characteristics and adaptations.
What makes this dolphin species so unique?
The Irrawaddy dolphins possess distinct features setting them apart from other dolphin species. They have a rounded forehead and a non-distinctive beak. Interestingly, with a non-fused neck vertebrae that allow them to turn their heads up to 90 degrees, like other river dolphins. Additionally, their movable lips enable them to squirt water, a mischievous skill that aids them in herding fish during feed up to 1.5m! Their diet includes bony fish, fish eggs, cephalopods, and crustaceans. These social creatures travel in pods of 2-6 individuals, reaching speeds of 20-25 kph to outmanoeuvre potential shark attacks.
The Ecological and Cultural Significance of the Irrawaddy Dolphin
The Irrawaddy dolphins have a profound connection with both nature and culture. For example, they act as indicator species that reflect the quality of the water bodies they inhabit. Moreover, as apex predators, they play a crucial role in regulating fish populations and maintaining the delicate balance of the ecosystem.
Culturally, these dolphins hold deep significance in the beliefs of Cambodian and Laotian communities. Specifically, they are considered to be the reincarnated ancestors. Traditional fishermen have a unique relationship with them, as they receive assistance from the dolphins in herding fish into their nets. This interaction involves acoustic whistles, knocking on canoes, and signaling in water. This has been observed in locations like Chilika and the Mekong River. In fact, in some regions, each fishing village is believed to have its designated dolphins that aid them in fishing endeavors. Research has shown that their assistance leads to a substantial increase in catch for the fishermen, making them invaluable partners in their livelihoods.
Beyond their cultural and ecological roles, the Irrawaddy dolphins also contribute to ecotourism. Their captivating behaviors and unique characteristics attract visitors, supporting local economies and providing jobs for the communities residing in these regions.
The intertwined relationship between the Irrawaddy dolphins, nature, and human culture highlights the importance of their conservation. By protecting these remarkable creatures and their habitats, we not only preserve biodiversity but also safeguard the cultural heritage and livelihoods that depend on their presence.
Unfortunately, the species faces countless threats
Unfortunately, the Irrawaddy dolphins confront numerous challenges in their natural habitats. The incessant noise pollution generated by motorboats disrupts their behavior. As a result, dolphins are compelled them to stay submerged for extended periods, endangering their well-being. The use of destructive fishing tools such as gillnets, dragnets, and bottom-set cabinets inflict injuries and impedes their navigation. Moreover, these dolphins often fall victim to bycatch. Their proclivity for shallower waters, often closer to human populations, exacerbates these perils. Moreover, deforestation, mining, and dam construction degrade their habitat, diminishing water quality and availability. Tragically, in several Asian countries, these captivating creatures are captured and trained to perform in dolphinariums. Poaching is also a major issue.
But how are they being conserved?
International Protection
Conservation efforts to protect the endangered Irrawaddy dolphins encompass both international and national initiatives. For example, CITES plays a crucial role in protecting international trade of these dolphins. Moreover, with a ban on commercial trade in species threatened with extinction, CITES aims to curb any detrimental impacts from international commerce.
Furthermore, the Irrawaddy dolphin is listed in both Appendix I and Appendix II of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS). This classification reflects the species’ vulnerability to extinction throughout their range. This emphasizes the need for stringent protection and international cooperation through tailored agreements.
The UNEP-CMS Action Plan for the Conservation of Freshwater Populations of Irrawaddy Dolphins highlights the significance of multiple-use protected areas in preserving freshwater populations. By establishing core conservation zones where gillnetting is banned or restricted, promoting net attendance rules, and providing training on the safe release of entangled dolphins, the plan aims to mitigate bycatch, one of the primary threats faced by the dolphins.
How is the Irrawaddy Dolphin being protected nationally?
National efforts in various countries are significantly contributing to the protection of local Irrawaddy dolphin subpopulations. Notably, the IUCN has classified the Mekong River sub-population, Mahakam River sub-population in Borneo, Ayeyarwady River sub-population, Malampaya Sound sub-population, and Songkhla Lake sub-population as critically endangered, emphasising the urgency of the situation. Bangladesh is creating protected areas within the Sundarbans mangrove forest.
Cambodia fully protects dolphins as endangered species, with conservation projects in place. India has listed these dolphins in Wildlife Protection Act Schedule I, with habitat restoration efforts. Indonesia proposed the establishment of Semayang National Park as a sanctuary. Laos initiated the Lao Community Fisheries and Dolphin Protection Project, compensating fishers. Myanmar protected area in Ayeyarwady River, implementing protective measures. Malampaya Sound of Philippines was proclaimed a protected seascape, implementing fishery policies. Thailand Marine and Coastal Resources Department assigned to protect aquatic animals. Malaysia Establishes protected areas and advocates for gear modification.
Efforts to protect the Irrawaddy dolphin encompass creating protected areas within critical habitats, implementing fishery laws for dolphin protection, restoring habitats, and promoting sustainable fishing practices. By safeguarding these remarkable creatures and their habitats, we not only preserve biodiversity but also protect the cultural heritage and livelihoods that depend on their presence.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the plight of the Irrawaddy dolphin demands urgent attention and concerted conservation efforts. Beyond their role as apex predators in maintaining the delicate balance of marine ecosystems, these remarkable creatures hold deep cultural significance and act as indispensable partners to traditional fishermen. By joining hands on both international and national levels, we can ensure a brighter future for the Irrawaddy dolphins.
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Written by: Amalendu Sasikumar Nair