Jakarta, Oct. 30 -- Indonesia's government is stepping up efforts to protect the Mahakam dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris), a freshwater species endemic to the Mahakam River in East Kalimantan that is on the brink of extinction, with only about 64 individuals remaining, including two newborns.
Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq said the government had decided to establish a coal-free conservation zone in the Mahakam River's tributaries to minimise the impact of coal transportation on the dolphin population. He emphasised that coal vessel traffic poses one of the greatest threats to the species, as noise, large waves, and oil pollution have severely degraded their habitat. The Ministry of Environment is coordinating with the Ministry o...