A survey will be conducted in February to collect population data of Irrawaddy dolphins.

As annually conducted by the Fisheries Department and Wildlife Conservation Society (Myanmar), the survey will start in February along the area of the Ayeyawady River from Mandalay to Bhamo where Myanmar's rare species of Irrawaddy dolphins are roaming.

According to last year's survey, there are more than 70 dolphins.

"As usual, we will conduct the survey in February. After the survey, we will be able to confirm the number and births of those dolphins. According to fishermen here, there are some baby dolphins in the area between Mandalay and Kyaukmyaung. After the survey, we will know if the number increases or decreases," Kyaw Hla Thein of WCS cooperating in the Irrawaddy dolphin protection measures.

The 10-day survey is due to start in the second week of February. According to the survey conducted from February 6 to 16 in 2019, there were 24 Irrawaddy dolphins in the area between Mandalay and Kyaukmyaung, 34 in the area between Male Township and Shweku Township and 14 in Bhamo totalling 72.