Survey finds seven new Ayeyarwady dolphins
Source: The Myanmar Times
Date: 20 February, 2018
Authorities have found another seven Ayeyarwady dolphins, an indication that the mammal's population is growing and conservation programmes to protect them are successful.
U Han Win, who is in charge of the Ayeyarwady Dolphins Conservation team, told The Myanmar Times that a survey this year found that dolphin numbers are on the rise in the area.
"The Ayeyarwady dolphin population increased compared to the previous year.
"New dolphins as well as offspring have been found. We educated local villagers to protect dolphins," he said.
The survey, conducted from February 6 to 15 by the departments of fisheries in Mandalay, Sagaing and Kachin regions and officials from the Myanmar Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), reported 76 dolphins – seven more than last year.
Although the February 2017 survey reported 69 dolphins, three dolphins were killed by poachers who were illegally fishing.
"New dolphins, including one offspring, have been found in Bhamaw. Bhamaw has seven new dolphins," said U Kyaw Hla Thein, WCS project manager.
Twenty-six dolphins were observed in the conservation area between Nan Taw Kyun in Mandalay city and Yay Taw Pagoda in Kyauk Myaung township of Sagaing Region, and 37 dolphins were found in the conservation area between Ma Le Ywa in Kanbalu township of Sagaing Region and Shwegu town in Kachin State.
Also, 13 dolphins were discovered near Bahmaw, where there is no conservation area due to security reasons, according to the survey team.
Link to source article (if applicable): http://www.thewateragency.com
