Abundance and Distributional Ecology of Irrawaddy Dolphins (Orcaella brevirostris) in Guimaras Island

This study was conducted to determine the abundance and distributional ecology of Irrawaddy dolphins (Orcaella brevirostris) in Guimaras Island. The study used the descriptive-correlational research design.  The data were gathered by means of survey utilizing researcher made instrument, daily sea monitoring, and monthly sea reconnaissance. Water turbidity, temperature, salinity, and zooplankton densities were determined. Statistical tools used were frequency, percent and Pearson’s r. Salinity, turbidity, temperature, zooplankton densities, water depth and wave conditions showed no significant correlation at 0.05 level of probability.  It was confirmed that the critically endangered Irrawaddy dolphin frequent Guimaras Strait which receives fresh water from Jalaur river in Panay island. These findings should be used as basis for the establishment of Marine Protected Area (MPA) and the development of marine conservation programs in the municipality of Buenavista.

 

Keywords: Irrawaddy dolphins, abundance, distributional ecology