Porpoises face extinction

SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: The Mahakam River porpoises, considered to be the symbol of the province's natural wealth, are facing extinction, Antara reported yesterday.

Ade Rachmat, head of the local conservation office, quoting a study by the Bogor Institute of Agriculture and the Ancol Ocean Foundation, said the present population of the species may not even exceed 100.

He blamed the environmental degradation of the Melintang, Semayang and Jempang lakes, which are the natural breeding grounds for the porpoises, as the cause for the population crisis.

Most porpoises can live in water around seven meters deep, while the lakes' depth currently stands at an average of three meters, he said.

Porpoises can be found only in China, and in the Amazon and Mahakam rivers. (swe)