Endangered irrawaddy dolphin was recently found by a roadside at Kampung Muara Tebas in Kuching, Sarawak.
Photo via Sarawak Dolphin Project
The Sarawak Dolphin Project shared a couple of photos of the dolphin, laying on the ground helplessly with a rope tied to its tail.
From the photos, it also looks like the dolphin is hurt as there was blood on its head. The condition of the dolphin is still unknown.
Update: 4 Oct 2021 @ 9:45am. We have been informed through the comments section that the Irrawaddy dolphin was found at...
Posted by Sarawak Dolphin Project on Friday, October 1, 2021
The Sarawak Dolphin Project urged the public who has any information to come forward and lodged a police report regarding this incident.
Netizens took to the comment section to condemn such cruel acts towards the dolphin, especially because the Irrawaddy dolphin is listed as endangered in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)’s Red List.
The irrawaddy dolphin is often seen in estuaries and bays in Borneo Island, with sightings from Sandakan, Sabah to most parts of Borneo and Sarawak.
Photo via Sarawak Dolphin Project
The dolphin is fully protected as an endangered species under the Department of Forestry and Sarawak Forestry Cooperative in Sarawak and has established a protected area for Irrawaddy dolphins in Santubong and Damai (Kuching Wetlands).
The protection measures in the area include prohibition of catching or killing dolphins or for trade.
Populations of the irrawaddy dolphin have been declining over the past 50 years and now the species is at risk of extinction as a result of incidental catches and injuries, habitat degradation and destruction, as well as pollution.
This is so sad! We hope the authorities find those who are responsible for killing the poor dolphin!
By: Aishah Akashah Ahadiat
