Philippine Journal of Science
151 (4): 1517-1521, August 2022
ISSN 0031 – 7683
Date Received: 02 Feb 2022
First Report of Possible Shark Predation on
an Irrawaddy Dolphin, Orcaella brevirostris
(Owen in Grey 1866) in the Philippines
Manuel Eduardo L. de la Paz1,6*, Jozette G. Hisu-an2, Carlo B. Bais1,
Monica Marie R. Atienza4, Dhorlyn G. De la Cruz3, and Ma. Louella L. Dolar5
1Natural Sciences Department, College of Arts and Sciences,
University of St. La Salle, Bacolod City 6100 Philippines
2Animal Biology Division, College of Arts and Sciences,
University of the Philippines Los Baños, Laguna 93635 Philippines
3Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, National Stock Assessment Program
Regional Field Office 6, Iloilo City 5000 Philippines
4Talarak Foundation, Inc. Bacolod City 6100 Philippines
5Tropical Marine Research for Conservation, San Diego, California 92122 USA
6Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University,
Higashihiroshima City 739-0036 Hiroshima, Japan
*Corresponding author: makoy28_delapaz@yahoo.com
[Download]
de la Paz et al. 2022. First Report of Possible Shark Predation on an Irrawaddy Dolphin, Orcaella brevirostris
(Owen in Grey 1866) in the Philippines. Philipp J Sci 151(4): 1517–1521. https://doi.org/10.56899/151.04.18
ABSTRACT
This report describes the first documented incident of a possible shark predation on an Irrawaddy dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris) in the Philippines. The incident happened in Guimaras Strait, one of the four known habitats of Irrawaddy dolphins in the country. We list three possible shark species that may have attacked the dolphin: great white shark (Carcharodon carcharius), tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier), and bull shark (Carcharinus leucas). Triangular cuts on the bite wound and a similar habitat shared between Irrawaddy dolphins and bull sharks suggest the latter to be the likely predator. This information contributes to our knowledge of natural threats that contribute to the reduction of the population of this critically endangered species.