This Week's Animal (5)

 Category:

I'm a Mammal Just Like You.

The Irrawaddy Dolphin

     

                                                                           
                                                                          

   Habitat:                                                        Endangerment Level,

   Mekong river                                                         Vulnerable

   Ganges river

   Irrawaddy river

   Also from the Bay of Bengal to New Guinea

   Threats:

   Drowning in gill nets and drag nets
   Electrofishing 

   Gold mining 

   Dam building

   Over-hunting for oil

   Diet:

   Boney fish

   Fish eggs

   Crustaceans
   Cephalopods

  

Irrawaddy dolphins are able to mate when they are 7 - 9 years old. They mate from December - June. Female Irrawaddy dolphins are pregnant for about 14 months. She then gives birth to a one mete long calf that weighs about 22 pounds. The calf is weaned after 2 years.  Female Irrawaddy dolphins (or cows) give birth to only one calf every 2 - 3 years.        Freaky Facts:

Many people don't even know that Irrawaddy dolphins exist! Even though Irrawaddy dolphins are mostly harmless, they're closer related to killer whales than beluga whales! Irrawaddy dolphins communicate by using a series of clicks.

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   Reproduction and Life-Cycle: