David Dove

IRRAWADDY DOLPHINS DISCOVERED IN WEST KALIMANTAN WATERS

7 Feb 2012
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Actions needed to protect the island’s water ecosystem

Jakarta – For the first time ever, WWF-Indonesia and its partner the Regional Office for Marine, Coastal & Resources Management Pontianak (BPSPL) have confirmed the existance of Irrawaddy dolphins Orcaella brevirostris in Kubu Raya and Kayong Utara waters of West Kalimantan, Borneo. The team also encountered a group of Indo-Pacific Humpback dolphin Sousa chinensis in the area, showing strong scientific evidence of the rich biodiversity in Kalimantan waters, which originate in the highlands of the Heart of Borneo.

“Until now the presence of Irrawaddy dolphin population in West Kalimantan waters was unknown, so we are excited with the results of this preliminary study and hope this will help to reveal information on the population and distribution of this unique species,” said Albertus Tjiu, WWF-Indonesia’s Conservation Biologist, one of lead scientists on the study.

”The results of this study also indicate the importance of protecting the habitat of the dolphins, from the origins of the rivers in the Heart of Borneo, to the lower rivers of the island, including waterways of Batu Ampar mangrove and nypah forests, narrow straits and the coastal areas of Kubu Raya, West Kalimantan,” Albert said.

Development of charcoal industries in the surrounding area is presumed to be the main threat to mangrove forests, a key habitat of the Irrawaddy dolphin population. Currently there are more than a hundred small to medium scale charcoal producers in Kubu Raya, in addition to busy boat traffic in waterways and forest conversion for pulp industry that threaten the species.

“WWF calls all companies that operate in West Kalimantan waters to apply sustainable practices in their business, and with regards to this dolphin study, to carefully look at their wood supply to avoid mangrove forests destruction,” said Albert.

There are two species of Irrawaddy dolphins in the world Orcaella brevirostris and Orcaella heinsohni, Indonesian waters mostly have the latter. The highest world’s population of Irrawaddy dolphins is estimated to be in the mangrove forests of Sunderbarn, Bangladesh and India with a population of 6000 individuals. There are three locations in the world with populations of Irrawaddy dolphin, all categorized as Critically Endangered; they are located in the Mekong River, Cambodia, Ayeyawardi River, Myanmar and Mahakam River of East Kalimantan, Borneo Indonesia. Populations of Irrawaddy dolphin in other areas are categorized as Vulnerable.

“Kubu Raya and Kayong Utara waters are located downstream of the Heart of Borneo in West Kalimantan. Conservation of forests in the Heart of Borneo is considered critical to ensure proper protection of Irrawaddy dolphin’s fresh water habitat and ecosystem in the lower river,” said Tri Agung Rooswiadji, WWF-Indonesia’s Fresh Water Conservation Program Coordinator. “As a unique species that live in fresh, salt and brackish waters, this mammal serves as an indicator of the healthiness of the water ecosystem in the area,” Tri Agung added.

“Dolphin survey in Kubu Raya and Kayong Utara waters are preliminary survey, we are hoping to continue studying the species in other rivers in the upper parts such as in Kapuas, Sejenuh and Mendawa river, “ said Tri Agung. With comprehensive information on the population and habitat of the dolphin, it is expected that the future policy on the protection of the species can be identified and implemented.

Kris Handoko, Head of Conservation at the Regional Office for Marine, Coastal & Resources Management Pontianak (BPSPL) said, “We are very supportive of this study. We will continue working with WWF-Indonesia and other relevant partners on monitoring the dolphins as well as identify other actions to enhance the species protection.”

Since 2009, WWF-Indonesia and partners have conducted two studies on habitat and population of dolphins in Kalimantan including in Sesayap River in Nunukan District of East Kalimantan in , and Kubu Raya & Kayong Utara Districts of West Kalimantan.

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Irrawaddy Dolphin