River Dolphin - Ranger Patrol and Coal Barge Survey Program

Since 2024, Ecosystem Bumi has joined forces with Yayasan Konservasi RASI and the local government to protect the Mahakam River dolphin through a River Dolphin Ranger Program located in the heart of the Mahakam River, Kalimantan, Indonesia.

RASI, founded in 2000, has been working to prevent habitat loss and the extinction of important aquatic-dependent species in the Mahakam River, lakes, and wetland areas. Their work and research have been crucial for the survival of the endangered Mahakam River dolphins.

Our aim with this collaboration is to conserve the river dolphins and their habitat, safeguarding the ecological integrity of the Mahakam River and ensuring the well-being of both wildlife and human communities dependent on it, including analyzing the impact of the coal barge traffic.

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Why is it important?

The river dolphins in the Mahakam River in Indonesia face numerous threats to their survival, including habitat degradation, pollution, illegal fishing practices, and accidental entanglement in fishing gear. As a result, their population is declining rapidly, putting them at risk of extinction. Protecting these river dolphins is crucial not only for preserving biodiversity but also for maintaining the health of the river ecosystem. River dolphins play a vital role in indicating the overall health of the river, acting as indicators of water quality and ecosystem balance. Additionally, they are culturally significant to local communities and contribute to ecotourism, supporting livelihoods and economic activities.

Through this program, Ecosystem Bumi supports rangers in protecting river dolphins by conducting patrols and monitoring activities, collecting data on river dolphin sightings and newborn calves, and responding to urgent on-site situations such as entanglement, strandings, or deceased individuals.

Ranger Team Activities

Each Ranger Team will consist of two (2) members operating on a rotating schedule system.
Conduct regular patrols averaging twelve (12) times per month using boats equipped with GPS tracker apps, logbooks, night vision equipment, and bridge camera. Monitoring activities will include recording positions and times of river dolphin sightings, observations of newborn calves, instances of illegal fishing or destructive activities, and sightings of both wild and captured protected species.
Report and coordinate with relevant government authorities to respond to urgent incidents, including cases of river dolphins or other protected species being caught, entangled, trapped, or found deceased.

Coal Barge and River Dolphin

The shipping traffic of large coal barges traveling through the river poses another threat to river dolphins. These vessels often occupy up to two-thirds of the narrow channels, fragmenting the dolphins' habitat and blocking the migration of freshwater fish, the main river dolphin food source. Additionally, the river dolphins are highly sensitive to underwater noise from the ships, making it difficult for them to navigate, hunt, and communicate. Prolonged exposure to such underwater noise can cause chronic stress and disrupt their natural behaviors.

Coal Barge Survey

A 5-day survey along the Mahakam and Pela Rivers in Kota Bangun will be conducted to analyze coal barge activity and its impact on river dolphins. Using acoustic recorders, laser range finders, drones, and cameras, the team will collect data on dolphin behavior, surfacing, distance, spatial patterns, and acoustic responses. The findings will inform government authorities to support law enforcement and strengthen protection efforts for river dolphins.

Spotted Wildlife

Discover the rich biodiversity of the Mahakam River, home to the endangered Mahakam River dolphin (Pesut Mahakam). This vital freshwater ecosystem also supports an incredible array of wildlife, including the majestic Brahminy Kite, Oriental Darter, Purple Heron, White-bellied Sea Eagle, and the striking Oriental Pied Hornbill.

Along the riverbanks, you may spot crocodiles basking, Smooth-coated Otters gliding through the water, and primates like Long-tailed Macaques, Proboscis Monkeys, and Silvery Langurs moving through the trees. This unique blend of aquatic and terrestrial species makes the Mahakam River an ideal place to learn about the interconnectedness of freshwater ecosystems and the importance of protecting them.