Listening offers a clearer picture of India’s hidden finless porpoises
Researchers in India have used acoustic monitoring to discover that Indo-Pacific finless porpoises are more numerous in coastal waters than previously estimated by visual surveys. These elusive animals, which are difficult to spot due to their small size and habitat in murky, shallow waters, emit high-frequency sounds detectable by specialized equipment. The study highlights the effectiveness of sound-based methods in tracking the species, which are threatened by boat traffic and fishing nets. This approach offers a more accurate way to assess their population and support conservation efforts.
Scientists in India are using underwater listening devices to track finless porpoises, which are hard to see because of their small size and habitat.
This method reveals that these porpoises are more common than previously thought, but they are also at risk from fishing nets and boat traffic.
The use of sound to study wildlife shows how technology can help protect vulnerable species and improve conservation efforts.
upbeatBytes summarizes in its own words and links to the original publisher — it doesn't host the article.