A recent survey shows that around ten months-old Irrawaddy baby dolphins were found and the number has reached 79, the largest in 20 years, according to the Irrawaddy dolphin protection team.

The Fisheries Department and Wildlife Conservation Society (Myanmar Programme) jointly conducted the survey for 10 days from February 10 to 20 this year in the area between Mandalay and Bhamo.

“The number of Irrawaddy dolphins we have found is the largest this year. The number of baby dolphins may be about 10. Previously, fishermen said about 4 or five baby fish were found. It was difficult to say so without evidence. In this survey tour, about 28 more dolphins including baby fish were discovered. In one year, about 8 or 10 baby fish are usually found. Between the two survey periods, there were three deaths. We need cooperation to protect them so as to reduce deaths.

The Irrawaddy dolphin conservation area is of two sections—Area 1 from Mandalay to Kyaukmyaung and Area 2 from Htigyaing to Shweku. Area 2 was designated in 2018.