Extremely Rare Dolphins Found by the Thousands

Extremely Rare Dolphins Found by the Thousands










Previously it was assumed there only tiny populations numbering in the low 100s, and the species could go extinct almost at any moment. In 2008 the Irawaddy was listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.

The recent scientific discovery has breathed both relief and optimism into the prospects for the species. World Conservation researcher Brian Smith said this of the reversal of fortune: “This discovery gives us great hope that there is a future for Irrawaddy dolphins. Bangladesh clearly serves as an important sanctuary for Irrawaddy dolphins, and conservation in this region should be a top priority.” Researchers also noted that even with the very unexpected and most welcome news of the much larger population’s existence, the dolphins still remain threatened by a variety of factors such as fishing net accidents, climate change, and pollution of their habitats.