Abstract

This report describes the first documented incident of a possible shark predation on an Irrawaddy dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris) in the Philippines. The incident happened in Guimaras Strait, one of the four known habitats of Irrawaddy dolphins in the country. We list three possible shark species that may have attacked the dolphin: great white shark (Carcharodon carcharius), tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier), and bull shark (Carcharinus leucas). Triangular cuts on the bite wound and a similar habitat shared between Irrawaddy dolphins and bull sharks suggest the latter to be the likely predator. This information contributes to our knowledge of natural threats that contribute to the reduction of the population of this critically endangered species.

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