Description
Cetaceans consist of 89 species of marine mammals that include dolphins, porpoises and whales. Cetaceans are considered to be the most distinctive and highly specialized order of mammals. Cetaceans are placental, finned, aquatic mammals. Cetaceans are regarded to be highly social animals Most cetaceans reproduce seasonally, with varying age of sexual maturity, varying gestation period times and variations in offspring numbers. Cetaceans provide extensive maternal care of offspring. In this study, we analyzed cetacean vulnerability by studying the maternal investments and life history traits that are involved in cetaceans as a group, with an emphasis on irrawaddy dolphins. Data were collected on irrawaddy dolphins from online sources including scholarly papers from peer-reviewed journals, research labs and institutions. Data were analyzed and models were made using JMP Statistical Software. Compared to other cetaceans, Irrawaddy dolphins are below average in length, their lifespan is 30 years, they hunt in groups of approximately 7 individuals. They hunt smaller prey including cephalopods, fish and crustaceans. Although Irrawaddy dolphins have a long gestation period (14 months) and a long lactation period (18 months), they meet the average number of offspring per lifetime. Because of their maternal investment patterns, Irrawaddy dolphins produce an average number of offspring. Irrawaddy dolphins are vulnerable due to environmental and human factors. These factors include hunting, habitat pollution, and destructive fishing practices.
Poster
Vulnerability of the Irrawaddy Dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris)
Cetaceans consist of 89 species of marine mammals that include dolphins, porpoises and whales. Cetaceans are considered to be the most distinctive and highly specialized order of mammals. Cetaceans are placental, finned, aquatic mammals. Cetaceans are regarded to be highly social animals Most cetaceans reproduce seasonally, with varying age of sexual maturity, varying gestation period times and variations in offspring numbers. Cetaceans provide extensive maternal care of offspring. In this study, we analyzed cetacean vulnerability by studying the maternal investments and life history traits that are involved in cetaceans as a group, with an emphasis on irrawaddy dolphins. Data were collected on irrawaddy dolphins from online sources including scholarly papers from peer-reviewed journals, research labs and institutions. Data were analyzed and models were made using JMP Statistical Software. Compared to other cetaceans, Irrawaddy dolphins are below average in length, their lifespan is 30 years, they hunt in groups of approximately 7 individuals. They hunt smaller prey including cephalopods, fish and crustaceans. Although Irrawaddy dolphins have a long gestation period (14 months) and a long lactation period (18 months), they meet the average number of offspring per lifetime. Because of their maternal investment patterns, Irrawaddy dolphins produce an average number of offspring. Irrawaddy dolphins are vulnerable due to environmental and human factors. These factors include hunting, habitat pollution, and destructive fishing practices.
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