Latest news with #Irrawaddy
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Scientists uncover disturbing factor linked to increase in dead dolphins off UK coast — here's what you need to know
Scientists have found that rising ocean temperatures and industrial chemicals are causing the deaths of short-beaked common dolphins in the United Kingdom. According to a report relayed by researchers from the Zoological Society of London discovered a link between warming temperatures and the spread of infectious disease in the dolphins. Results showed that these pressures have been building for decades, and it's finally catching up with the marine animals. Waters near coasts with many industries have higher levels of toxic chemicals, including polychlorinated biphenyls. These chemicals build up in the fatty tissues of dolphins and impair their immune systems and reproduction. While PCBs have been banned in Europe for around 40 years, the leftover chemicals continue to spill into marine environments from runoff and other sources. Higher sea surface temperatures have disrupted biodiversity and changed species distributions, altering how infectious microorganisms move through the environment. Warmer waters have been linked with higher disease rates in several marine species. Rising ocean temperatures have also led to changes in habitat use and prey availability for the short-beaked dolphins. Short-beaked dolphins are crucial for healthy marine ecosystems, as they maintain the balance of marine food webs and form "super pods" with other dolphins that can influence prey availability and distribution. Deaths among these gentle creatures are concerning, as they may upset the balance of ecosystems and marine habitats. Dolphins have been known to help people in numerous ways, including rescuing people from sharks, guiding boats, and helping with fishing. It's important that we protect them both for their survival and human benefits. Global heating isn't only impacting dolphins — it's harming other animals across the world, including lambs in Spain, monkeys in Mexico, and elephants in Africa. Scientists said they will continue to monitor marine environments for industrial pollutants. However, they noted that without taking steps to reduce environmental contaminants and reduce warming, risks to dolphins will likely increase in the future. The authors noted there's an urgent need to deploy conservation efforts that mitigate warming ocean temperatures and industrial chemicals in waterways. On a positive note, endangered Irrawaddy dolphins, which are native to Southeast Asia, are seeing a population boost thanks to conservation efforts. If we make similar strides with the short-beaked dolphins, it will ensure their population remains stable. By getting involved in your local community with wildlife groups, you can make a positive impact that can last for generations. Also, if you see anyone dumping chemicals into waterways, notify the proper authorities — this will keep dolphins and humans safe. Do you worry about air pollution in and around your home? Yes — always Yes — often Yes — sometimes No — never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Miami Herald
28-05-2025
- Science
- Miami Herald
‘Extremely rare' sea creature seen hunting off Australia by drone pilot. See it
A drone pilot in Australia recently captured footage of a highly elusive sea creature on the hunt. The incident took place off the coast of Magnetic Island, located a few miles offshore from mainland Queensland. While flying an aerial drone low over the ocean, Oliver Scheele spotted an Australian snubfin dolphin pursuing a fish. A video posted by Scheele shows the pale-bodied marine mammal breaching the surface and making hair-pin turns while tracking the fish. 'These dolphins are extremely rare, living in inshore areas,' Scheele wrote in a May 19 Instagram post. 'They are a vulnerable species due to human impacts.' 'Seeing these dolphins was a privilege as they are so rare,' he told Yahoo News. Scheele's brother, a marine biologist, told the outlet this is the first sighting the pair have made of the species, following six years of searching. An 'extremely rare' species Australian snubfin dolphins were only discovered as a distinct species in 2005, according to Whale and Dolphin Conservation, a non-profit. Prior to that, they were thought to be a secluded population of Irrawaddy dolphins, another rare species native to Southeast Asia. 'There are clear differences between the two populations that had not been previously recognized and these were confirmed by the studies on DNA,' a researcher who helped uncover the species told NBC News in 2005. The relatively newfound creatures are distinguished by their round, melon-shaped heads, light coloring and small dorsal fins — from which their 'snubfin' name is derived. The animals — which can grow up to nearly 9 feet in length and weigh up to 280 pounds — are found along stretches of Australia and Papua New Guinea. Because they prefer shallow, coastal waters, they are at risk from human activity and are listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The marine species is classified as protected in the waters off Australia and 'their future remains uncertain,' according to Dolphin Research Australia, a non-profit conservation organization. The animals are generally sheepish around boats, and they have been seen displaying a peculiar spitting behavior, which 'remains a mystery.' Much else about the dolphins, including the specifics of their reproductive habits, remains unknown.
The Star
27-05-2025
- General
- The Star
Cambodia spots newborn rare Mekong dolphin, bringing total population to 111
PHNOM PENH: Cambodia has welcomed seven newborn Mekong Irrawaddy dolphins so far this year, bringing the total population of the aquatic mammals to 111, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) said in a press release on Monday (May 26). The latest newborn dolphin calf, about two days old, was spotted on Sunday at the Kampi dolphin pool in Kratie province's Preaek Prasab district by a team of researchers from the Fisheries Administration and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). "This newborn dolphin was seen swimming alongside a pod of four adult dolphins," the press release said. "It is the seventh dolphin calf born in 2025." The Mekong River Irrawaddy dolphins have been listed since 2004 as critically endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List of Threatened Species. In 2024, the South-East Asian country recorded a total of nine newborn dolphin calves, with four deaths, according to the news release. The MAFF estimates that to date, there are 111 Irrawaddy dolphins living along a 120-km main channel of the Mekong River in northeast Stung Treng and Kratie provinces. - Xinhua
News18
26-05-2025
- News18
Must Try Boat Ride Spots In India For Your Next Adventure
Last Updated: A boat ride is a fun and relaxing way to explore the nature. Check out these spots in India for a tranquil boat ride. If you're someone looking for a fun and relaxing way to explore nature in India, boat rides could be a great choice. The country has many beautiful spots for boat trips, from the peaceful backwaters of Kerala to the calm lakes in Udaipur. This unique activity will let you enjoy nature's beauty from a unique perspective. Many tourists love boat rides because they are relaxing and a good way to enjoy lovely views. Some even provide the opportunity to experience local food and learn about cultures while you float on the water. If you want to try something new and make happy memories, plan a boat ride in India and enjoy the beauty around you. Kerala A trip to Kerala feels incomplete without experiencing the calm and peaceful backwaters. Alleppey is one of the most popular destinations where thousands of tourists come every year to enjoy a stay on a traditional houseboat. It offers a perfect break from the busy and stressful city life. All around, you will see bright green coconut trees and wide paddy fields. The slow moving boats and fresh air help refresh your mind. Sundarbans Spend a peaceful afternoon exploring the Sundarbans, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in West Bengal. This vast natural area is surrounded by colourful flowers and quiet spaces perfect for those who love nature. The region is famous for its massive mangrove forests that provide shelter to many wild animals, including the famous Royal Bengal Tiger, as well as crocodiles and various kinds of birds. Varanasi Ganga is believed to have the power to wash away your sins. Taking a boat ride on the holy waters, especially during sunrise or sunset, lets you feel the spirit of one of the oldest cities in the world. The peaceful ride takes you across different Ghats, each with its own story and a unique view of the city. One of the best things to see is the evening Aarti ceremony from the boat, a moment that stays with you forever. Chilika Lake is the biggest saltwater lake in Asia and a favourite spot for people who love boating. The massive lake has many small islands, and during winter, migratory birds come here to rest. You might also see rare Irrawaddy dolphins swimming in the water. One of the special places on the lake is the Kalijai Temple. You can also relax while watching the beautiful sunset. Udaipur Known as the City of Lakes, visitors have multiple options like Lake Pichola, Fateh Sagar Lake and Udai Sagar Lake. Boating on these waters gives you a great view of grand places like the City Palace, Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace, Jag Mandir and Taj Lake Palace, along with the hills around the city. A boat ride during sunset on Lake Pichola is a favourite among visitors, as the golden light makes everything look magical. It's a peaceful way to enjoy Udaipur's charm. First Published:
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
The world's sweetest dolphin is facing extinction—but it's not too late
On Myanmar's Ayeyarwady River, fishers tap the side of their boats and wait. If they're lucky, a gray dolphin with a rounded head and smirk appears. These are Irrawaddy dolphins—social, intelligent mammals that have fished alongside humans for generations. The dolphins herd fish toward the fishers' cast nets, and in return, they snag fish trapped near the edges or stuck in the mud at the bottom for themselves. One dolphin, named Gotama, is even known for giving a special signal—a flick of the tail—right before the fishers should cast their nets. She passed this signal on to her calf, to the delight of the fishers. 'This is a pretty rare phenomenon in the world in terms of human and wildlife cooperation. So, it's something we're not only interested in conserving on a species level, but also on a cultural level too,' says Brian Smith, a river dolphin expert and recently retired Wildlife Conservation Society researcher. 'It's a lesson to humanity about our relationship with wildlife.' While these fishers and their cast nets generally have a friendly relationship with the dolphins, not everywhere in the river is as hospitable. Tragically, gill nets—which hang vertically and trap fish by their gills—are entangling dolphins and driving them toward extinction. Without urgent action, these cooperative, curious creatures could disappear forever. 'If we don't get a handle on the accidental killing of these animals in fishing nets,' Smith says, 'particularly gill nets, the species is finished,' much like the Yangtze river dolphin, which disappeared from China's waters in 2006, despite conservation efforts, as well as Mexico's Vaquita dolphins, down to around 10 individuals. The Irrawaddy dolphins are more than just helpful fishing companions. They are a strong part of the community, supporting the ecotourism industry for the region, as well as playing a part in local folklore. One legend tells of two mischievous children sent to collect firewood. Lost and hungry, they find a shaman's hut. After eating enchanted rice and diving into the river for water, they transform into dolphins. When villagers find them, it's too late to reverse the spell. 'So, people kind of care for them because they feel they're like children,' says Danielle Kreb, a scientist with the nonprofit Yayasan Konservasi Rare Aquatic Species of Indonesia. Irrawaddy dolphins also have a quirky trick—they spit water. It's not just for fun, though. They use it to herd fish into tight groups so they're easier to catch. Some scientists even think they might do it to impress a potential mate. Irrawaddy dolphins are unique among marine mammals because they are one of only six species that can live in freshwater. But they can also inhabit coastal waters—a trait shared by even fewer species. Their range includes patches of coastal waters of South and Southeast Asia, as well as three specific rivers: the Mekong in Cambodia, the Mahakam in Indonesia, and the Ayeyarwady in Myanmar. While the species as a whole is listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the populations in these three rivers are considered critically endangered, with fewer than 100 individuals estimated in each. These rivers and coastal areas are often close to intense human activity, so in addition to gill nets, they face additional threats from pollution, habitat degradation from reduced or altered freshwater flows due to dams and embankments, coal-carrying ships, and illegal "electro-fishing"—a practice in which fishers send electric currents through the water to stun fish. This not only depletes the fish populations that dolphins rely on, but it can also injure or kill the dolphins themselves. One dolphin studied by Kreb in Indonesia's Mahakam River—where only about 60 individuals remain—was nicknamed Moose. Moose and her newborn calf, just minutes old, were both found dead. Testing later revealed they had been poisoned, likely by a pellet meant to kill fish. 'It's a really sad, sad case,' says Kreb. 'And it broke my heart because I felt I knew her very well. She had the sweetest face ever.' Kreb is leading local conservation efforts along the Mahakam River, focusing on outreach, education, and the use of acoustic pingers to reduce dolphin deaths. These small devices emit a high-pitched, irritating sound that deters dolphins by disrupting their echolocation, keeping them away from dangerous fishing nets. But the design required careful calibration, Kreb explains: The sound had to be strong enough to act as a warning, but not so intense that it drove dolphins away from critical feeding areas. These pingers are effective at a range of about 10 meters, she says. Since launching the program in 2021, her team has distributed around 270 of them across the river. To raise awareness and funds for dolphin conservation—including the River Guard Program, where local people are hired to patrol the river and remove the gill nets from the waters—a small team of scientists and supporters, including Smith, swam 120 kilometers along the Mekong River in March, through the heart of Irrawaddy dolphin habitat. They stopped in villages to join outreach events organized by WWF Cambodia, government agencies, and local officials. For Smith, conservation efforts need to focus on these small critical river populations, but also the last remaining stronghold of about 6,000 individuals in Bangladesh. He was part of the team that discovered this population in 2009, found mostly in the Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest. 'The biggest contribution that could be made would be a long-term, sustainable effort to provide alternative livelihoods or supplementary livelihoods to the current fishers,' he says. 'And you have to have enforcement to make sure everybody's playing by the rules, establishing gill-net-free zones in the core areas of their distribution.' One of the great challenges in conservation is that often, what works isn't flashy or new—it's the 'same old, same old,' says Smith. But sustaining and strengthening those proven efforts is exactly what's needed to protect these animals. And this isn't just about saving species because they're rare or beautiful. It's about protecting something deeply meaningful to the communities who live alongside them, he adds. Smith remembers a young boy in the Irrawaddy region who worked with his father, cooperatively fishing with the dolphins. The whole village would playfully argue about who loved the dolphins most, until the boy finally said, 'Well, I love the dolphins more than I love my mother.' In the end, says Smith, this isn't just a biodiversity issue; it's also about 'conserving what's important to people.'
