Mekong River dolphin population on the brink of extinction - WWF

[xchrom]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2011/aug/17/mekong-river-dolphins-extinction-wwf

The Irrawaddy dolphin population in the Mekong River is at high risk of extinction, with numbers estimated at 85 and the survival of new calves very low, WWF said on Wednesday.

Fishing gear, especially gill nets, and illegal fishing methods involving explosions, poison and electricity all appear to be taking a toll, with surveys conducted from 2007 to 2010 showing the dolphin population slowly declining.

"Evidence is strong that very few young animals survive to adulthood, as older dolphins die off and are not replaced," said Li Lifeng, director of WWR's freshwater programme.

"This tiny population is at risk by its small size alone. With the added pressure of gill net entanglement and high calf mortality, we are really worried for the future of dolphins."

[hunter]

1. Closer to home, don't forget the "Colorado River Dolphin..."

Otherwise known as the Vaquita.

Estimates are that only 250 remain.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vaquita

http://vaquita.tv