World's Cutest Dolphins Face Extinction: Irrawaddy Species Disappearing Rapidly

• Irrawaddy dolphins are rapidly declining across South and Southeast Asia, facing extinction due to human activities.
• Known for their friendly appearance and unique cooperation with fishermen, their loss would sever a rare human-wildlife bond.
• Major threats include entanglement in fishing nets, severe river pollution, dam construction disrupting habitats, and illegal fishing.
• Critically endangered populations are found in the Mekong River (Cambodia) and Ayeyarwady River (Myanmar), with declines also in India and Indonesia.
• Their disappearance signals broader freshwater crises; urgent solutions like banning gill nets and international cooperation are vital for survival.

Why It Matters: Urgent action is needed to save Irrawaddy dolphins from extinction, as their decline reflects global river health crises.