THE MAHAKAM RIVER DOLPHIN 🐬
This year, during a survey with
@yayasan_rasi and
@ecosystembumi , I had the privilege of capturing this moment of a Mahakam River Dolphin quietly surfacing in the river it has called home for generations. I have been at the Mahakam River multiple times and it always so special to witness them. With only about 60 individuals left, every sighting feels like a small miracle.
Mahakam River Dolphins move through the same winding channels their families have used for generations, their rounded heads and gentle surfacing making them instantly recognizable. But they face mounting challenges of unsafe fishing gear and ghost nets that threaten their lives, constant disturbance from boat traffic, pollution and declining water quality. With such a small population, even a single loss has devastating consequences.
The River Dolphin Ranger Team by
@yayasan_rasi and
@ecosystembumi works tirelessly along the Mahakam to push these threats back. The rangers monitor dolphin movements, record births and injuries, patrol the habitat, remove dangerous nets, assist during emergencies, and are in touch with the community.
The Mahakam River Dolphin is more than a species, they are a reflection of the river’s health. When the dolphins thrive, the river thrives. When the river thrives, so do the communities that depend on it for fish, transportation, and much more.
Each time a dolphin surfaces, it’s a reminder that hope is still alive on the Mahakam. Their survival depends on the river staying healthy and on the people who continue to protect it with courage, and love for their home. Let us together help protect this incredible species for future generations to come. 🩵#savemahakamriverdolphin
