Endangered Irrawaddy dolphin population on the rise



YANGON: -- Myanmar's endangered Irrawaddy dolphin population increased this year, according to a survey by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), as reported by The Irrawaddy.

The survey was conducted in February in the Irrawaddy River between Mandalay and Kachin State’s Bhamo. It found 65 dolphins, including three babies. The previous 2015 survey found 58 dolphins in the protection area, and three that had died in 2014.

Kyaw Hla Thein, a project coordinator with WCS, said he hoped the number continues to increase, especially after three babies were found swimming beside their mothers.

A 230-mile stretch of the Irrawaddy River from Mingun to Kyauk Myaung in Sagaing Division was designated as a wildlife protection zone in 2005. The area has strict measures in place to protect the dolphins, but rules go largely unenforced. Catching or killing dolphins is prohibited, as is trading their meat. A ban on electro-fishing and regulations on the types of nets permitted are also intended to protect the species, which is listed as critically endangered in Myanmar.

According to WCS, the number of Irrawaddy dolphins found in the protection zone was fewer than 20 between 2007-2009. The number of dolphins increased dramatically after 2010, to 86.

However, in 2014, the number declined to 63, which shocked researchers. The deaths were attributed to electro-fishing, which is illegal in the country. Despite threats of jail time, the practice continues.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/content/154424

-- Thai PBS 2016-03-10

Now that is good news

Any news on how mother nature is trying to heal itself (and without jeopardising the life of fragile humans) is good news.