DHAKA, Bangladesh, Oct. 31 (UPI) -- Bangladesh says three areas in southern mangrove forests will be dolphin sanctuaries to protect freshwater dolphins, one of the world's most endangered animals.
Conservationists say the country's Sundarbans mangrove forest is the only place in the world where Ganges river dolphins and Irrawaddy dolphins are found.
"We have decided to declare Dhangmari, Chandpai and Dudhmukhi areas of eastern Sundarbans as dolphin sanctuaries so that these mammals can survive in a safe environment," Tapan Kumar Dey, a senior wildlife conservation official, told the BBC.
"The waterways in these areas will be clearly demarcated and there will be sign postings so that local fishermen will not venture into this region for fishing," Dey said.
Although fishermen do not normally target them, the animals can become entangled in fishing nets and drown, he said.
The two species, normally found along the coast, migrate upriver in the Sundarbans mostly during winter, when the salinity level is high, and then go back after fresh water starts flowing into the rivers.
