Rare Irrawaddy dolphins were found swimming in the waters off West Kalimantan, Borneo, the World Wildlife Fund Indonesia and Indonesian authorities said on Tuesday.

Albertus Tjiu, WWF-Indonesia’s Conservation Biologist, said the presence of one of two known Irrawaddy dolphin species in West Kalimantan waters was previously unknown.

Irrawaddy dolphins are listed as critically endangered in the Mekong River, Cambodia, Ayeyawardi River, Burma and the Mahakam River of East Kalimantan.

“So we are excited with the results of this preliminary study and hope this will help to reveal information on the population and distribution of this unique species, said Albertus, one of the lead scientists of the study.

He said the discovery was not all good news as charcoal production in the area threatened the population of the species, known as Orcaella heinsohni.

“WWF calls on all companies that operate in West Kalimantan waters to apply sustainable practices in their business, and with regards to this dolphin study, to carefully look at their wood supply to avoid mangrove forest destruction, Albertus said.

2011 JakartaGlobe