Incredibly Rare Irrawaddy Dolphins Found In Indonesian Waters (10 Pics)

Back in 2012, and for the first time, Irrawaddy dolphins were spotted in West Kalimantan, a part of Indonesian Borneo which is well known for its rich wildlife and dense tropical forests. Also known as orcaella brevirostris, the rare dolphins were found during a study in by WWF-Indonesia and the Regional Office for Marine, Coastal & Resources Management Pontianak (BPSPL).

How many dolphins? With a global population of around 6000 individuals, Irrawaddy dolphins are found in many of Southeast Asia's estuaries and mangrove areas. Close to 5,800 of the vulnerable dolphins live in the costal waters of Bangladesh along the Bay of Bengal, and the nearby Sunderbarns mangove forests. The remaining population is scattered throughout Southeast Asia and can be found in Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, the Philippines and the northeastern coast of Australia.