Irrawaddy dolphin: A glimpse into the lives of these unique marine creatures

The Irrawaddy dolphin, also known as the Ayeyarwady dolphin, is one of the rare and venomous dolphins of the ocean. This dolphin mimic is found mainly in Southeast Asia, with its primary habitat being rivers, coastal waters, and intertidal zones in tropical and subtropical plains. In this article, we will learn more about the life and adorable traits of Irrawaddy dolphins.

Irrawaddy dolphins have a unique appearance, with skin color usually gray to light blue. The shape of their body is similar to that of various dolphins, but one thing that stands out is the fact that their surface has an iron mesh seal that looks like the beak of a fish. This is a special feature that makes it easy for them to catch prey in crevices and be hunted in the sand on the river bottom.

Irrawaddy dolphins prefer to live near coastal areas, tropical plains and large rivers. They usually live in small groups, preferring to dig holes in the riverbed to find prey. One of their special methods of hunting is to use the iron mesh seal on its face to lure it in when it is swimming nearby. This creates a kind of competition between the Irrawaddy dolphins, but also a unique and captivating landscape in the wild.

Irrawaddy dolphins have long been an important part of folklore and myth in coastal communities in Southeast Asia. They are considered symbols of luck and joy in folklore, with many stories and songs dedicated to them. However, habitat loss and illegal fishing accidents have threatened the existence of this lovely dolphin.

Irrawaddy dolphins are listed as “endangered” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) red list. The decline in Irrawaddy dolphin populations is mainly due to habitat loss, illegal fishing accidents and collisions with large objects such as boats and fishing nets. Major local rights and survival organizations have gone to great lengths to protect these species, such as establishing natural conservation areas and closely monitoring off fishing activities.

The Irrawaddy dolphin is one of the loveliest and most venomous dolphins in the world. Their lives reflect the independent interactions between animals and their natural habitat. To protect these dolphins, we need to be the most thorough in ending habitat conservation and closely monitoring the human activities that affect our lives. Only when the balance between man and nature is assured, we have a chance to see Irrawaddy dolphins playing on their own and surviving in their natural environment.