Abstract

Identification and channel characteristics of cetacean hotspots in Sundarbans, Bangladesh
Track: Environmental Management
Authors: Mohammad Diyan

Sightings data of two freshwater-dependent cetaceans, the Ganges River dolphin Platanista gangetica gangetica and Irrawaddy dolphin Orcaella brevirostris, were recorded by captains of three nature tourism vessels operating in waterways of the eastern Sundarbans mangrove forest, Bangladesh. These data were used to investigate channel-type preferences and identify cetacean hotspots according to a scoring system based on group, individual and calf encounter rates, the co-occurrence of both species, and encounter rates in neighbouring segments recorded during monsoon, post-monsoon and dry seasons. Six 5-km segments were identified for priority conservation attention from a total of 38 that were surveyed on at least three occasions during each season. Understanding the preferred habitat and identifying hotspots of freshwater-dependent cetaceans in the Sundarbans is the first step of a planning process for the potential establishment of a network of protected waterways for these threatened species.