Irrawaddy Dolphin

 
 
Irrawaddy dolphin breaching

IRRAWADDY DOLPHIN

 

FACTS

 
  • STATUS
    Endangered
  • SCIENTIFIC NAME
    Orcaella brevirostris
  • WEIGHT
    198-440 pounds
  • LENGTH
    5.9-9 feet
  • HABITATS
    Lakes, Rivers, Estuaries, and Coasts

Irrawaddy dolphins are found in coastal areas in South and Southeast Asia, and in three rivers: the Ayeyarwady (Myanmar), the Mahakam (Indonesian Borneo) and the Mekong. The Mekong River Irrawaddy dolphins inhabit a 118-mile stretch of the river between Cambodia and Lao PDR and are scarce—just 92 individuals are estimated to still exist. These dolphins have a bulging forehead, short beak, and 12-19 teeth on each side of both jaws.