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Conservation of the Irrawaddy dolphin, Orcaella brevirostris (Owen in Gray, 1866) in the Mekong River: biological and social considerations influencing management
| Content Provider | Semantic Scholar |
|---|---|
| Author | Beasley, Isabel |
| Copyright Year | 2007 |
| Abstract | The goal of my study was to contribute to the effective conservation of the Irrawaddy dolphin population that inhabits the lower Mekong River. To achieve my goal, I developed objectives based on a conceptual framework of conservation principles and strategies that guide management of endangered species. The results of my study provide significant new information relevant to the taxonomic status of Orcaella and ecology and conservation of the Irrawaddy dolphin population inhabiting the Mekong River, with broader application to other freshwater dolphin populations. Previously, the genus Orcaella was considered to consist of only one species, the Irrawaddy dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris). However, two colleagues and I discovered that what were previously considered Irrawaddy dolphins occurring in Australian/Papua New Guinean waters are instead a separate species, which we named the Australian snubfin dolphin (Orcaella heinsohni). Freshwater Irrawaddy dolphin populations and their habitats are highly susceptible to anthropogenic threats. As a result of small population sizes, strict habitat preferences, apparent high site fidelity, slow maturation rate, long calving intervals and most importantly, their close proximity to human activities in freshwater ecosystems, Irrawaddy dolphins are highly susceptible to anthropogenic impacts. Most freshwater populations of Irrawaddy dolphins are small and declining; nevertheless, there has been a notable lack of on-the-ground conservation measures to conserve these populations. Flora and fauna along the river, as well as local subsistence communities, are facing threats similar to those faced by freshwater Irrawaddy dolphins. Irrawaddy dolphins should therefore be considered an effective flagship species for freshwater biodiversity conservation. My study area encompassed the lower Mekong River of southern Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam and focused on the population of freshwater Irrawaddy dolphins that inhabit this river system. The natural environment of the lower Mekong River had previously been shielded from major development by war and political upheaval. However, all the lower Mekong countries are now developing quickly, and are experiencing significant human population growth. Based on conservation lessons learned from other countries, community involvement in habitat and species conservation is imperative for conservation efforts to be successful. Preservation of habitat is essential, not only to the conservation of endangered species, but also to the survival |
| File Format | PDF HTM / HTML |
| Alternate Webpage(s) | https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/2038/1/01front.pdf |
| Language | English |
| Access Restriction | Open |
| Content Type | Text |
| Resource Type | Article |
