The recent discovery of a deceased Irrawaddy dolphin in Thailand’s Songkhla Lake has deepened concerns about the precarious situation facing this critically endangered species. The Thai Whales group reported that a local resident stumbled upon the lifeless dolphin, prompting authorities from the Marine and Coastal Resources Department to initiate an autopsy to ascertain the cause of death.
Irrawaddy dolphins, characterized by their distinctive rounded faces and lack of a pronounced beak, are facing a myriad of threats, including habitat loss, entanglement in fishing gear, and illicit hunting. Weighing up to 159 kilograms, these marine mammals have seen their numbers dwindle alarmingly, earning them a designation as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
In 2022, marine biologist Dr. Thon Thamrongnawasawat sounded the alarm about the dire status of Irrawaddy dolphins in Songkhla Lake, where only 14 individuals remained. He highlighted the detrimental impact of widespread fishing activities on their survival. Subsequently, in a bid to safeguard the species, the National Marine Committee took action, declaring Irrawaddy dolphins a protected species in Thailand. This decision spurred government-led initiatives to conserve and monitor populations not only in Songkhla Lake but also in other vulnerable areas such as Khanom Bay in Surat Thani and the Andaman Sea in Trang and Krabi.
Despite these conservation efforts, the population of Irrawaddy dolphins in Songkhla Lake has plummeted from 27 in 2015 to an estimated 14 individuals by 2022. This stark decline underscores the urgent need for sustained and intensified protective measures to avert further losses of this unique and irreplaceable species.
Moreover, the challenges faced by Irrawaddy dolphins extend beyond direct human interactions. Environmental factors such as deteriorating water quality in Songkhla Lake and the risks posed by boat propellers further compound the threats to their survival. These multifaceted challenges demand a comprehensive approach to conservation, encompassing habitat restoration, regulation of human activities, and public awareness campaigns.
Efforts to mitigate the threats facing Irrawaddy dolphins must involve collaboration between government agencies, conservation organizations, local communities, and the scientific community. By working together to address the root causes of decline and implement effective conservation strategies, there is hope that the downward trend in Irrawaddy dolphin populations can be reversed, ensuring the long-term survival of this remarkable species.
