Biology and conservation of the Taiwanese Humpback dolphin, Sousa chinensis taiwanensis
Wang, J.Y.; Riehk, K.N.; Klein, M.N.; Javdan, S.; Hoffman, J.M.; Dungan, S.Z.; Dares, L.E.; Araújo-Wang, C. (2016). Biology and conservation of the Taiwanese Humpback dolphin, Sousa chinensis taiwanensis, in: Jefferson, T.A. et al. Adv. Mar. Biol. 73: Humpback dolphins (Sousa spp.): Current status and conservation, Part 2. Advances in Marine Biology, 73: pp. 91–117. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/bs.amb.2015.07.005
In: Jefferson, T.A.; Curry, B.E. (Ed.) (2016). Adv. Mar. Biol. 73: Humpback dolphins (Sousa spp.): Current status and conservation, Part 2. Advances in Marine Biology, 73. Academic Press: London. ISBN 978-0-12-803602-0. 326 pp., more
In: Advances in Marine Biology. Academic Press: London, New York. ISSN 0065-2881; e-ISSN 2162-5875, more
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| Keywords |
Biology
Conservation
Sousa chinensis taiwanensis Wang, Yang & Hung, 2015 [WoRMS]
Marine/Coastal |
| Author keywords |
Taiwanese humpback dolphin; Eastern Taiwan Strait; Subspecies; Critically endangered |
| Authors | | Top |
- Wang, J.Y.
- Riehk, K.N.
- Klein, M.N.
- Javdan, S.
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- Hoffman, J.M.
- Dungan, S.Z.
- Dares, L.E.
- Araújo-Wang, C.
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| Abstract |
The humpback dolphins of the eastern Taiwan Strait were first discovered scientifically in 2002 and since then have received much research attention. We reviewed all information published in peer-reviewed scientific journals on these dolphins and where appropriate and available, peer-reviewed scientific workshop reports and graduate theses were also examined. Recent evidence demonstrated that this population warranted recognition as a subspecies, Sousa chinensis taiwanensis. It is found in a highly restricted and linear strip of coastal waters along central western Taiwan. Numbering fewer than 80 individuals and declining, five main threats (fisheries interactions, habitat loss and degradation, loss of freshwater to estuaries within their habitat, air and water pollution, and noise) threaten the future existence of this subspecies. These dolphins have cultural and religious importance and boast the highest level of legal protection for wildlife in Taiwan. However, despite enormous efforts by local and international non-governmental groups urging immediate conservation actions, there have been no real government efforts to mitigate any existing threats; instead, some of these threats have worsened. Based on recent studies, we suggest the IUCN Red List status be revised to Critically Endangered CR 2a(ii); D for the subspecies. |
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