Indo-Pacific humpbacked dolphin

The Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin, also known as the Chinese white dolphin, is an intriguing marine species that inhabits the coastal waters of the eastern Indian and western Pacific Oceans. Once believed to be a subspecies of the Indian Ocean humpback dolphin, DNA analyses have established that they are indeed a distinct species. These dolphins are notable for their diverse colorations and can live up to 40 years. They are also quite playful, often observed leaping out of the water, and exhibit a complex reproductive cycle.

Unfortunately, these dolphins are facing substantial threats. Habitat loss and pollution, particularly in regions such as Hong Kong, have caused a precipitous decline in their population. One of the most urgent threats is plastic pollution. Residing in coastal areas, these dolphins are continuously exposed to hazardous pollutants. Ingesting plastic can lead to severe health problems, including organ toxicity, reproductive issues, and developmental anomalies. Additionally, noise pollution from human activities can impair their echolocation abilities, hindering their capacity to navigate and locate food.

Due to these adversities, the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin is currently classified as near-threatened on the IUCN Red List. Fortunately, there are ongoing conservation efforts to safeguard them. These initiatives include creating sanctuaries and regulating dolphin-watching activities to reduce human impact. Nevertheless, the population along Taiwan's west coast is critically endangered due to habitat degradation, pollution, and other anthropogenic activities.

Protecting these dolphins is a global responsibility, requiring persistent efforts to ensure their survival. Conservationists are diligently working to implement measures that will help preserve these remarkable creatures for future generations.