A large pod of rare Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins has been sighted swimming and foraging near Chang Island, within the Mu Ko Ranong National Park. Their presence indicates a thriving marine ecosystem and the success of local conservation efforts.
National park rangers captured video footage of the 15 to 20 dolphins during a routine maritime patrol yesterday. The aquatic mammals were observed playing and feeding naturally in a small bay, near the Buddha’s Footprint area on the eastern side of the island.
Suwanna Sa-Ard, chief of the Mu Ko Ranong National Park, stated that the dolphins appeared to be in excellent health, showing no signs of injury or damage from fishing gear.
"The sighting of such a large pod is a crucial bio-indicator," Suwanna claimed, adding "It proves that our marine protected area management, alongside strict regulations on tourism and fishing activities, is genuinely paying off."
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation has since ordered intensified patrols to combat illegal fishing.
Officials are also urging local tour operators and small-scale fishermen to navigate with extreme caution, reduce vessel speeds in the area and avoid disrupting the dolphins' natural behaviour.
Moving forward, park authorities will collaborate with the Upper Andaman Marine and Coastal Resources Research Centre.
Scientists will use the recorded coordinates and video footage for photo identification (Photo-ID) analysis, to map individual identities and estimate the local population accurately.
This data will be used to create a comprehensive database for spatial conservation planning, developed in tandem with local coastal communities and volunteer networks.
Located in the Mueang Ranong district, Mu Ko Ranong National Park spans a diverse ecosystem of lush mangrove forests and Andaman Sea waters.
The national park, which includes major islands, plays a pivotal role in protecting coral reefs, seagrass beds and endangered marine life.
