Nature & Wildlife
Pesut Mahakam: The Rare Freshwater Dolphin on the Brink of Extinction
The Pesut Mahakam (Orcaella brevirostris) is a freshwater dolphin only found in the Mahakam River. Its dwindling population makes it one of the most threatened mammals in the world.
In this article
Getting to Know the Pesut Mahakam
The Pesut Mahakam, or Irrawaddy Dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris), is one of the rarest and most threatened species in the world. This freshwater animal can only be found in a few major rivers in Asia, with the Mahakam River population in East Kalimantan being one of the most critical.
Why is the Pesut Mahakam Threatened?
According to the latest data, only around 80 individual Pesut Mahakam remain in the Mahakam River. The main threats they face include:
- Entanglement in fishing nets (bycatch)
- Habitat degradation due to deforestation
- Industrial and mining pollution
- Heavy boat traffic
Conservation Efforts
Various conservation organizations, including WWF Indonesia, are working hard to protect the Pesut Mahakam. Community education programs and special protection zones have been established along the Mahakam River.
How to See the Pesut Mahakam
The best spots to see the Pesut Mahakam are around Lake Semayang and Lake Melintang, where small groups of pesut are still frequently spotted in the morning and late afternoon.
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