Irrawaddy Dolphin | Species

Dolphins and Porpoises
Irrawaddy Dolphin

Dolphins and Porpoises
Irrawaddy Dolphin

Top
Overview
Why They Matter
Threats
What WWF is Doing
How You Can Help
Donate

Overview

Status
Vulnerable
Scientific Name
Orcaella brevirostris
Weight
198-440 pounds
Length
5.9-9 feet
Habitats
Lakes, Rivers, Estuaries, and Coasts

Irrawaddy dolphins are found in coastal areas in South and Southeast Asia, and in three rivers: the Ayeyarwady (Myanmar), the Mahakam (Indonesian Borneo) and the Mekong. The Mekong River Irrawaddy dolphins inhabit a 118-mile stretch of the river between Cambodia and Lao PDR and are scarce—between 78 and 91 individuals are estimated to still exist. These dolphins have a bulging forehead, short beak, and 12-19 teeth on each side of both jaws.

Map data provided by IUCN.

Places
Greater Mekong
Habitats
Freshwaters

Browse Photos & Videos

Rare Dolphin Offered a Second Chance

There are fewer than 100 Irrawaddy dolphins in the Mekong River of Southeast Asia, and researchers fear the numbers are shrinking even further. But now the dolphins may have something to smile about. In September local government agencies in Cambodia agreed to work with WWF to conserve dolphins and minimize or eliminate deaths from gillnets.

Continue Reading More Stories

Why They Matter

The protection of the Irrawaddy dolphin is crucial for the overall health of the Mekong River—home to an estimated 1,100 species of fish. The Irrawaddy dolphin is also regarded as a sacred animal by both Khmer and Lao people, and is an important source of income and jobs for communities involved in dolphin-watching ecotourism.

Threats

Extinction Risk Vulnerable
1. EX
  Extinct
  
  No reasonable doubt that the last individual has died
2. EW
  Extinct in the Wild
  
  Known only to survive in cultivation, in captivity or as a naturalised population
3. CR
  Critically Endangered
  
  Facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the Wild
4. EN
  Endangered
  
  Facing a high risk of extinction in the Wild
5. VU
  Vulnerable
  
  Facing a high risk of extinction in the Wild
6. NT
  Near Threatened
  
  Likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future
7. LC
  Least Concern
  
  Does not qualify for Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable, or Near Threatened

Irrawaddy dolphins are primarily threatened by bycatch, the accidental capture of aquatic animals in fishing gear.

What WWF Is Doing

Working With Communities

WWF teaches local communities about dolphin and environmental conservation issues, as well as developing community fishery management zones to help sustainably manage fish and conserve dolphins. We also support alternative livelihood development such as aquaculture, chicken raising and home-gardens, to reduce fishing pressure and bycatch of dolphins, as well as alleviate poverty in riverside communities.

Conducting Research

WWF conducts research to learn about dolphin mortality, population and ecology. Each year, the Cambodian Mekong Dolphin Conservation Project conducts at least two population surveys of Irrawaddy dolphins in the Mekong River. The current population estimate is based on 11 surveys from 2007-2010, usually conducted in March to May when dolphins congregate around deep pool areas in the low water.

Collaborating to Address Threats

WWF collaborates with The Coca-Cola Company and local residents to address impacts from climate change in the Mekong River Basin through habitat restoration, infrastructure improvements and influencing local policy.

Stopping Illegal Wildlife Trade

In 2004, WWF and TRAFFIC, the world’s largest wildlife trade monitoring network, supported a ban on the international live trade of Irrawaddy dolphins by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

Experts

Barney Long Manager, Asian Species Conservation Program

How You Can Help

Take Action

Tell your members of Congress and President Obama to reject budget proposals that would slash funding for endangered species and tropical forests, clean air and water, and efforts to confront climate change.