Hobbies And Interests
Where in the World
The Irrawaddy dolphin can be found in a variety of coastal and inland water systems in the Indo-Pacific. This includes areas as far south as Australia, as far north as the Philippines, and as far west as India. Various populations of this species can be found in areas such as the Mahakam river of Kalimantan, Mekong Delta of Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. They can also be found in Chilka Lake in India and Songkhla Lake in Thailand.
Water Types
Some populations of the Irrawaddy live exclusively in freshwater river systems while others prefer the brackish waters of estuaries, around river deltas, and mangrove swamps. Such environments are semi-enclosed bodies of water that tend to be shallow and isolated, as well as ecologically rich habitats, making them a great food source for the Irrawaddy. These waters are brackish (slightly salty), versus the strong salinity of ocean waters or salt-free freshwater habitats. Irrawaddy dolphins seem to prefer the muddy waters at the river mouths, and typically remain close to the shoreline.
Mangroves
Irrawaddy dolphins thrive in mangrove environments and mangrove forests thrive in tropical regions, existing partly on land and partly in muddy saline waters. They are among the most productive and biologically complex ecosystems to be found anywhere. Mangroves contain more than 70 species of plants including palm, hibiscus, holly, plumbago, legumes and more. As a result, they are a haven for a variety of land animals, birds, and multitudes of fish. The Irrawaddy dolphin can easily sustain a steady diet living in such an environment as they eat a variety of fish, crustaceans, cephalopods, and fish eggs. Carp is considered a dietary staple for most Irrawaddy.
Conservation
Many of the habitats of the Irrawaddy dolphins, and the dolphins themselves, are at great risk of disappearing due to human encroachment. Many areas have been degraded through mercury abstraction techniques, deforestation, harmful fishing techniques, overfishing, and the timber industry. Noise and air pollution provide additional threats to the environment and its inhabiting species. Salt pans, aquaculture ponds, and nearby human development threaten mangrove forests, upsetting the delicate salinity balance necessary for the survival of its intricate ecosystem. Organized conservation efforts are critical to prevent further habitat decline and possible extinction of the numerous species, including the vulnerable Irrawaddy dolphin. By increasing education and awareness, continued research and monitoring, and by clarifying regional and national management responsibilities, further damage and loss can be prevented.