The Irrawaddy dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris) inhabits coastal waters, brackish estuaries and freshwater rivers in Australaisia and Southeast Asia. This endangered dolphin is pale gray and grows to lengths of 2m-2.75m. It has a round head and no beak and is occassionally mistaken for a beluga whale or a porpoise (Source: Shah).
Irrawady dolphins belong to the group of cetaceans called the odontocetes (toothed whales). Like other river dolphins, the Irrawaddy dolphin is shy and travels in small groups. They have a round melon, a flexible neck, and broad flippers. They are sometimes known to 'spy hop' in order to survey their surroundings. Irrawaddy dolphins along the Mekong rivers are reported to help fishermen by driving fish into their nets (Source: WDCS).
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Australaisia and Southeast Asia. Coastal waters, brackish estuaries and freshwater rivers.
References:
- Burnie D, Wilson DE. 2001. Animal. London: Dorling Kindersley. 624 p.
- Shah S. 1999. Orcaella brevirostris, Animal Diversity Web. June 7, 2005.
- WDCS Irrawaddy Dolphin Description, Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society. February 9, 2006.
