Irrawaddy dolphins sighted in Negros Occidental coastal waters

This pregnant Irrawaddy dolphin was spotted in the coastal waters of Bago City Thursdays. Kaila Ledesma-Trebol, Contributor

BACOLOD CITY – At least two Irrawaddy dolphin calves were spotted in the coastal waters of Bago City in Negros Occidental around 10 a.m. on Thursday.

Also spotted was a pregnant Irrawaddy dolphin, said Mark de la Paz, leader of the University of St. La Salle Center for Research and Engagement team that is studying the dolphins.

“This brings a glimmer of hope to their very small population, which was estimated to be between 9 to 19 in the Guimaras Strait,” he said.

Irrawaddy dolphins have been declared endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, he added.

“Hopefully the calves will survive. They are the most vulnerable,” De la Paz said.