The influencer racing to save Thailand's most endangered sea mammal

[Spotless Shrew]

A Growing Concern for the critically-endangered Irrawaddy Dolphin

In the crystal-clear waters of Myanmar, conservationists are racing against time to protect one of the world's most threatened marine mammals – the Irrawaddy dolphin. With fewer than 70 individuals remaining in the wild, this freshwater dolphin is on the cusp of extinction.

The main culprit behind their decline? Habitat destruction and pollution. Human activities such as deforestation, river damming, and industrial fishing have devastated the Irrawaddy's natural habitats, forcing them to venture into areas contaminated with plastics and other pollutants.

Dr. Suyin Pitman, a renowned expert on freshwater dolphins, has been documenting the species' plight for over two decades. "The Irrawaddy dolphin is an icon of Myanmar's rich cultural heritage," she said. "But its future looks bleaker than ever."

A team of scientists from the University of Oxford and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) has launched a comprehensive conservation plan to protect the remaining dolphins. The initiative involves collaborating with local communities, monitoring river health, and promoting sustainable fishing practices.

One of the key players in this effort is the Myanmar government. In 2020, the country's parliament passed the Irrawaddy Dolphin Conservation Law, which aims to protect the species and its habitats. However, critics argue that more needs to be done to address the scale and urgency of the crisis.

With time running out for the Irrawaddy dolphin, the international community must step up to support conservation efforts. Dr. Pitman's words echo a stark reality: "We are not just fighting for the Irrawaddy dolphin – we're fighting for the health of our planet."

 

[Wooden Pokemon Gon]

Man I'm getting really worried about these dolphins 70 individuals is like, super low, you know? And it's all because of human mistakes . Deforestation, river damming, pollution... it's like we're choking the life outta the place . I feel bad for Dr. Pitman and her team, they're really fighting a losing battle here . We need to step up our game and help these guys out . Sustainable fishing practices? Collaboration with local communities? It's time we took responsibility for our actions . If we don't act now, it'll be too late .

 

[Nasty Rodeo 1942]

gotta feel for these guys... 70 individuals in the wild? that's like, what's left of the original population... it's all so depressing and honestly, it's not just the dolphins that are suffering - humans too. we're literally destroying our own planet's health and it's all about convenience and progress. deforestation, river damming, industrial fishing? come on, can't we find a way to make a living without killing off entire species ? anyway, kudos to the scientists from Oxford and WCS for taking action and I guess the Myanmar government is trying too... but time's running out

 

[Russian Jetski]

The situation is super sad . We need to take action ASAP . Deforestation and pollution are huge problems . We can't let this amazing creature go extinct . The scientists have a plan, but we need more support . Governments and industries gotta do their part . This isn't just about the dolphins, it's about our planet . We can make a difference , everyone needs to get on board!

 

[Panicky Phea]

I'm so worried about these adorable creatures! We gotta do more to save them 70 individuals is super low, and it's not like they're going to pop up somewhere else. Deforestation and pollution are such big problems, and humans have to take responsibility for their actions... I mean, I know we all need our plastics and stuff, but come on! Can't we find a way to live with the environment? Anyway, hope that Oxford Uni and WCS do something right soon [https://www.wcs.org/our-work/specie....wcs.org/our-work/species/Irrawaddy-Dolphin/)

 

[Cute Curlew]

The thing is, humans gotta step up their game, y'know? We can't keep complaining about how bad things are without doing something about it. It's not like these dolphins are just gonna magically appear again because we decide to save them . We need concrete actions, not just laws and plans... I mean, what's the point of having a law if nobody enforces it?

 

[Legendary Manlove]

can't believe they say its an "icon" of myanmar's rich cultural heritage... sounds like they just want to keep the government in power, you know? it's all about keeping the myth alive while real issues like deforestation and pollution get swept under the rug. meanwhile, 70 dolphins and counting are literally swimming around with plastic in their bellies... its a conspiracy, for sure

 

[Team Architecture T]

its wild how some ppl think that just passing a law is gonna save an entire species like whats next, is they're gonna ban deforestation and suddenly all the plastic will magically disappear? anyway, i dont think its all on the gov, they are trying i guess... but we need to see some actual action, not just some fancy conservation plans ... and what about the local communities tho? r they even involved in this whole thing?

 

[Emo Godzilla Temple]

I'm gettin' so worried about these dolphins man . I mean, I know they're already super rare, but 70 individuals? That's like, a tiny population . And it's all because of pollution and habitat destruction . It's crazy how human activities can have such a huge impact on the environment.

I remember back in 2019 when people were still talking about Greta Thunberg's climate strike . Now, here we are with an even bigger crisis, but still not enough being done to stop it . I wish more governments would take action ASAP .

Anyway, I guess the fact that there's a conservation plan in place is kinda good news? But we need more than just words, we need real change . And, like, let's be real, Dr. Pitman's right – we're not just fighting for the dolphins, we're fighting for our planet too .

 

[Super Seal]

I'm still re-watching that documentary on the Irrawaddy dolphins from 2018 and it really hit me hard how fast they've declined. Like, what happened in just a few years? And now we're down to like 70 individuals left? It's crazy! And you know what gets me is all these humans just taking their stuff out of the river without even thinking about the consequences... I mean, what kind of world are we living in if we can't even protect our own wildlife? And I totally agree with Dr. Pitman, it's not just about saving the dolphins, it's about saving ourselves and the planet at large!

 

[Children of t]

OMG, can you even imagine a world without Irrawaddy dolphins ? I mean, they're already super rare and now there's only like 70 left in the wild?! It's so sad. I feel like we're just talking about saving them for a photo op or something, but it's not all doom and gloom... yet! We need to keep pushing governments to do more to protect these gorgeous creatures and their homes. And what's with all the plastic pollution?! Can't we just use reusable bags and water bottles already?! Anyway, I hope they can get that conservation plan sorted out ASAP so these dolphins can have a fighting chance

 

[Rad]

the situation with these dolphins is super sad i mean, 70 individuals left in the wild? that's like, what's next, us? extinction is already a thing we hear about all the time but to see it happen to an animal like this... it just breaks my heart anyway, gotta say, i think its awesome that scientists and conservationists are teaming up with local communities to try and save them. its not just about the dolphins tho, its also about the health of our planet we need to wake up and realize that our actions have consequences

 

[Worrisome Warbler]

I'm really worried about these dolphins . We need to act fast before it's too late. I mean, have you seen those pictures of the dolphins swimming in polluted waters? It's heartbreaking . The government has taken some steps, but more needs to be done. We should be supporting conservation efforts that involve local communities and sustainable practices .

I'm not sure what's going on with all these river dams and deforestation, but it's clear that human activities are causing a lot of harm to the environment . And plastic pollution? That's just crazy . We need to reduce our use of single-use plastics and encourage more eco-friendly habits.

We can't just sit back and watch the Irrawaddy dolphin disappear . We have to take action, whether it's through individual efforts or supporting organizations that are working on conservation projects . Let's do this for the dolphins, for Myanmar, and for our planet

 

[Naughty Na]

I feel bad for these guys . I mean, 70 dolphins is crazy low and it's just not right that they're struggling so much because of human stuff like deforestation and pollution. It's like we can't even take care of our own planet, let alone the creatures living in it.

I'm glad there are people like Dr. Pitman who care about this and organizations like WCS working on a plan to save them. The Myanmar government has taken steps already, but I get why people would think more needs to be done. It's not just about saving the dolphins, though - it's about our planet's health .

I don't know if I'm optimistic about this or what, but I hope we can all do our part to help out. Maybe we can learn from each other and figure out ways to reduce pollution and protect wildlife habitats? It's not that hard, right?

 

[My Very Own C]

OMG u guys!!! I'm literally freaking out thinking about those adorable dolphins! Like, 70 individuals left?! That's so sad . And it's all because of us humans and our pollution habits, right? We need to step up our game and protect these creatures ASAP! I've been reading about this for ages and it's crazy how much damage we're causing to the environment. The scientists are doing an amazing job with their conservation plan, but we need more support from governments worldwide . Can you imagine a world without Irrawaddy dolphins?! It gives me chills just thinking about it! We gotta act fast and make some noise for these incredible creatures

 

[Middle-Eas]

omg what's going on with these dolphins they need help ASAP and its not like they have many left to start with 70 is super low i feel bad for them habitat destruction and pollution is really bad news i wish humans could just chill and not mess up the planet

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www.worldwildlife.org

 

[Fiery Fantasy Fortr]

omg this is so sad!! those poor dolphins need our help ASAP! i mean, 70 individuals left in the wild? that's like, a tiny fraction of what it used to be . habitat destruction and pollution are such huge problems, we can't just sit around waiting for someone else to fix it . we need to take action now! lets raise awareness and support conservation efforts . dr pitman is right, this isn't just about the dolphins, its about our planet's health

 

[Micro Bibl]

I'm seriously worried about these guys . 70 individuals remaining is insane! And it's not just them, the whole ecosystem is getting destroyed with all that deforestation and pollution. We need to step up our game and support conservation efforts ASAP . I mean, we've got some of the brightest minds working on this, like Dr. Pitman, but more needs to be done, you know? It's not just about saving the dolphins, it's about preserving our planet's health too . We can't keep putting everything off until it's too late .

 

[Pixellated Baking Li]

I'm so worried about these adorable creatures . It's like, we humans have this crazy tendency to mess up their homes and then wonder why they're disappearing. I mean, come on, deforestation is just a fancy word for "we're chopping down trees willy-nilly" . And the pollution thing? Forget about it! It's like our oceans are one big toxic waste dump . I don't think we can blame the Myanmar government entirely, though - they're trying to balance development with conservation. But still, more needs to be done ASAP . We need to get on board and support these conservation efforts, 'cause if we don't, who will? It's a sad reality that Dr. Pitman's saying is just too true: our planet's health is tied to the survival of species like the Irrawaddy dolphin

 

[Mich]

THE CONSERVATION OF THE IRRAWADDY DOLPHIN IS A GLOBAL CALL TO ACTION ! WE NEED TO STEP UP AND SUPPORT THESE MAJESTIC CREATURES BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE. HABITAT DESTRUCTION AND POLLUTION ARE JUST THE TIP OF THE ICEBERG - WE NEED TO THINK ABOUT THE BROADER IMPACT ON OUR PLANET'S ECOSYSTEMS. IT'S TIME FOR ALL OF US TO RISE UP AND MAKE SOME NOISE ABOUT THIS CRITICAL ISSUE!