A fascinating aquatic mammal found inhabiting various freshwater and brackish habitats throughout Southeast and South Asia. Renowned for its distinctive appearance, this dolphin boasts a rounded forehead and lacks the prominent beak characteristic of many other dolphin species, imparting it with a charmingly “smiling” expression. Typically adorned in shades of gray with a lighter-colored belly, the Irrawaddy dolphin possesses a stocky build and a relatively small dorsal fin compared to its oceanic counterparts.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Irrawaddy dolphins is their unique behavior, which sets them apart from other cetacean species. Unlike their more gregarious oceanic counterparts, Irrawaddy dolphins tend to exhibit a more reclusive demeanor, often surfacing in a manner that resembles “spouting” water rather than the acrobatic leaps commonly associated with dolphins. This distinctive behavior adds to their enigmatic allure and makes them a captivating subject of study for marine biologists and enthusiasts alike.

One of the most remarkable behaviors exhibited by Irrawaddy dolphins is their cooperative fishing interactions with local fishermen. In a remarkable display of interspecies collaboration, these intelligent mammals work in tandem with fishermen to herd fish toward the fishermen’s nets. Through coordinated efforts, the dolphins help to corral schools of fish towards the waiting nets, facilitating a successful catch for both parties involved. In return for their assistance, the fishermen often share a portion of their catch with the dolphins, fostering a mutually beneficial relationship between humans and these marine mammals.

However, despite their fascinating behaviors and cultural significance, Irrawaddy dolphins face a range of threats to their survival. Habitat loss and degradation, pollution, entanglement in fishing gear, and boat strikes represent significant challenges to the long-term viability of Irrawaddy dolphin populations. As human activities continue to encroach upon their aquatic habitats, concerted conservation efforts are essential to safeguarding these charismatic marine mammals for future generations.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Indian ocean

2017

Pacific ocean

2017

Bangladesh

2017

Brunei

2017

Cambodia

2017

India

2017

Indonesia

2017

Laos

2017

Malaysia

2017

Myanmar

2017

Philippines

2017

Singapore

2017

Thailand

2017

Vietnam

2017