Finless porpoise

Yangtze finless porpoise, 12 February 2008a

Stamps of Indonesia, 040-05

Neophocaena phocaenoides DSC 03

Finless Porpoise (Neophocaena phocaenoides) is a species of toothed whale belonging to the family Phocoenidae, which is part of the order Cetacea. This marine mammal is notable for being one of the few porpoise species that lack a dorsal fin, a characteristic that gives the finless porpoise its name. They are found in coastal waters of Asia, ranging from the Persian Gulf, through the Indian subcontinent, to the northern coast of Australia, and throughout the western Pacific and eastern Indian Oceans.

Description

The finless porpoise is relatively small compared to other cetaceans, with adults typically reaching lengths of up to 2 meters. They have a sleek, streamlined body that is well adapted to their coastal habitats. The most distinctive feature of the finless porpoise is its lack of a dorsal fin; instead, they have a series of bumps or ridges running down their back. Their skin is generally a dark grey color, which can vary slightly between individuals and with age.

Habitat and Distribution

Finless porpoises are found in a wide range of coastal environments, including estuaries, bays, mangroves, and river mouths. They prefer shallow waters and are rarely seen in deep oceanic waters. Their distribution spans from the Persian Gulf in the west, across the coastal waters of the Indian subcontinent, to Southeast Asia, and up to the northern coast of Australia in the east. They are also found in the Yellow Sea, including the Bohai Gulf of China, and the Sea of Japan.

Behavior

Finless porpoises are generally shy and elusive animals. They are known to live in small groups, although larger aggregations can occur in areas with abundant food resources. Their diet consists mainly of fish, squid, and crustaceans. Unlike many other cetaceans, finless porpoises do not often breach the water's surface and are less likely to be spotted by humans.

Conservation Status

The finless porpoise is currently listed as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Their populations are threatened by a variety of human activities, including habitat destruction, pollution, and accidental capture in fishing gear. Conservation efforts are focused on habitat protection, research to better understand their ecology and behavior, and measures to reduce bycatch in fisheries.

Research and Conservation Efforts

Research on finless porpoises has been challenging due to their elusive nature and the difficulty of studying them in their natural habitats. Efforts are being made to use non-invasive techniques, such as acoustic monitoring, to gather data on their populations and distribution. Conservation efforts include the establishment of protected areas, regulations on fishing practices to reduce bycatch, and public awareness campaigns to highlight the importance of conserving marine biodiversity.

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