Title
Identification and channel characteristics of cetacean hotspots in waterways of the eastern Sundarbans mangrove forest, Bangladesh
Author(s)
Smith, Brian D.;Diyan, M. Abdullah Abu;Mowgli Mansur, Rubaiyat;Fahrni Mansur, Elisabeth;Ahmed, Benazir
Published
2010
Publisher
ORYX
Abstract
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. An investigation of habitat preferences evaluated 5-km segments that had been surveyed on five or more occasions (n = 69) and assigned them to one of 12 categories defined by channel width, sinuosity and the number of large and small confluences. Significant differences were found between observed and expected frequencies of occurrence in the different segment categories for Ganges River dolphin groups and individuals and for Irrawaddy dolphin individuals. Both Ganges River and Irrawaddy dolphins selected channels with more than two small confluences or at least one large confluence. 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.
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PUB14767