Recently, three new sanctuaries have been opened in Bangladesh with the goal of protecting rare and protected dolphin species. The areas within the mangrove systems were declared to be protect sanctuaries on January 29th. These areas will protect the last two remaining fresh water dolphin species found in Asia, the Ganges River dolphin and the Irrawaddy dolphin.

There is no global estimate for either of the two species, but it has been documented that their numbers are dwindling. Due to human activities along coastlines and in waterways, fresh water dolphins are one of the most threatened forms of wildlife on the planet.

The sanctuaries protect 19km. of waterways that were found to be very important habitat for the rare dolphins.

“Declaration of these wildlife sanctuaries is an essential first step in protecting Ganges River and Irrawaddy dolphins in Bangladesh,” said Brian Smith, director of the WCS’ Asian Freshwater and Coastal Cetacean Program.

On top of protecting these species, the area will serve as a scientific testing ground to learn how to balance conservation with the human population.

Via: Discovery News