The Irrawaddy Dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris)- this is a rare species of dolphin, which differs from its marine relatives not only in appearance, but also in the way of life. Unlike the classic members of the dolphin family, this species prefers fresh or semi-salty water and has a characteristic short snout, which gives it a unique appearance.
The Irrawaddy Dolphin lives in the rivers and coastal waters of Southeast Asia, but its population is rapidly declining due to human activity. Why was it endangered? How does it interact with fishermen? How is it different from other dolphins? In this article, we will look at biology, habitat, behavioral features, nutrition, threats and conservation measures of this unique species.
1. General characteristics and classification
The Irrawaddy Dolphin belongs to the dolphin family (Delphinidae), but looks more like cetaceans, such as belugas.
🔹 Scientific classification:
✔ The Kingdom: Animals (Animalia)
✔ Type: Chordal (Chordata)
✔ Class: Mammals (Mammalia)
✔ Row: Cetaceans (Cetacea)
✔ In a row: Toothed whales (Odontoceti)
✔ Family: Dolphin (Delphinidae)
✔ Gender: Orkaella (Orcaella)
✔ View: Irrawaddy Dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris)
🔹 Main Features:
✔ Body lengthLength: 1.8-2.7 m.
✔ WeightWeight: 90-150 kg.
✔ Colour: grey or bluish-grey.
✔ Chairman: rounded, without pronounced beak (muzzle).
✔ Dorsal fin: low and rounded, located closer to the tail.
✔ Life span: 30-50 years old.
Unlike most dolphins, the Irrawaddy dolphin does not have a sharp snout, and its face resembles a Beluga Whale.
2. Where does the Irrawaddy Dolphin live?
🌍 Habitat range:
✔ Irrawaddy River (Myanmar), from which the name is derived.
✔ The Mekong River (Cambodia, Laos) and Mahakama River (Indonesia).
✔ Coasts of Bangladesh, Thailand, India and the Philippines.
🌊 Environment type:
✔ Fresh waters of rivers and lakes.
✔ Semi-salty waters of river deltas and lagoons.
✔ Coastal sea waters with low salinity.
📍 Populations:
The largest number of dolphins lives in the Mekong (100-150 individuals).
✔ In Irrawada and Mahakami left less than 100 individuals.
3. behavior and social structure
Irrawaddy dolphins – very social they usually form small groups of 2-6 individuals.
🤝 How do they interact?
✔ Whistles, clicks, and echolocation are used.
✔ They often jump out of the water, but they don't do acrobatic tricks like bottlenose dolphins.
✔ Can communicate through body language-tail swipes and swimming together.
🎣 Cooperation with fishermen
Irrawaddy dolphins in Cambodia and Myanmar have unique relationships with fishermen. They help drive fish into the City, and in return receive a portion of the catch.
4. how do they hunt and what do they eat?
🍴 Basic diet:
✔ Fish (catfish, mackerel, cod).
✔ Crustaceans (shrimps, crabs).
✔ Cephalopods (squid).
🏃♂️ Hunting tactics:
✔ Use echolocation to find prey in muddy water.
✔ Often work in groups, surrounding shoals of fish.
5. threats to the species
⚠️ Main threats:
✔ Random catch "dolphins often die in fishing nets.
✔ Water pollution "pesticides, plastics, and heavy metals are poisoning rivers.
✔ Construction of dams - lowers the water level and makes it difficult for fish to migrate.
✔ Poaching - in some regions, dolphins are caught for meat or fat.
6. conservation measures
🌱 What is being done to save dolphins?
✔ Create protected areas (for example, protected areas in Cambodia).
✔ Restrict fishing in dolphin habitats.
✔ Implement monitoring and security programs.
🌍 International initiatives:
✔ IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) He added the Irrawaddy dolphin to the list of "vulnerable” and "endangered" species.
✔ WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature) works to restore river ecosystems.
7. Interesting facts about the Irrawaddy dolphin
✔ Irrawaddy dolphins they know how to "wink"by moving your eyes independently of each other.
✔ They are able to breathe through the corners of the mouthnot just through breathing.
✔ This is the only dolphin species found in the freshwater rivers of Southeast Asia.
✔ Dolphins have been known to protect humans from crocodiles.
✔ They can hold their breath for up to 12 minutes.
Conclusion
The Irrawaddy Dolphin is a real treasure of nature, which, unfortunately, was threatened with extinction. Its unique appearance, social behavior, and interaction with humans make it special among other dolphins. Conservation of this species depends on international efforts, environmental programs, and local awareness.
So that the Irrawaddy dolphins don't disappear from our rivers and seas, we need to act today! 🌊🐬
