Pink dolphins of Hong Kong under threat due to loss of habitat

Pink dolphins of Hong Kong are under threat - there are only around 60 dolphins left in Hong Kong waters which is a big drop from 158 in 2003. The reduction is believed to be due to loss of habitat. Conservationists have warned that projects meant to expand Hong Kong’s airport and build a new bridge to Macau could affect the population of the city’s beloved “pink” dolphins.
This has been reported in theguardian.com dated 29 November 2015.

The drastic drop is attributed to the large-scale construction work that have been undertaken in Hong Kong which will drive the mammals away for good.
The Chinese white dolphin – also known as the pink dolphin due to its pale pink coloring – attracts scores of tourists daily to the waters north of Hong Kong’s Lantau island. Dolphin-watching accounts for 10 % of Tai O’s tourism business. The pink dolphin became Hong Kong’s official mascot for the handover ceremony in 1997, when Britain returned the territory to China. However, in spite of the affection bestowed on it, it is a vanishing species.
The proposed construction of a third runway at Hong Kong’s busy Chek Lap Kok airport could be the last nail in the coffin. Moreover, the ongoing construction of a 50-Km bridge connecting Hong Kong to the gambling enclave of Macau is another factor.
Samuel Hung, chairman of the Hong Kong Dolphin Conservation Society, has been going out to sea at least twice a week to monitor dolphin activity for almost 20 years. In his opinion, the drop in population is a result of over-fishing and environmental pollution apart from the increase of high-speed ferry traffic.

Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org)

Lord Shiva learns of Moody’s plans to go to the Moon (satire)

The honey trap of Pat & Jolie (satire)

Baba Someday to use gobar gas and yoga for space flights (satire)


Foreign students for study in India nosedives from 13,961 in 2013 to 3,737 in 2014

Water scarcity in Prime Minister's constituency - blame it on Coca Cola

World Cup cricketer of Vadodara sells moong kachoris to make ends meet


Big B rides a scooter in Kolkata - shooting for another movie

International Jazz Festival at Stone Water Eco Resort in Goa

Ben Affleck talks on 'Batman V Superman'


Russian airstrike in Syrian town of Ariha kills at least 40

Turkey downed two Russian fighter jets - Putin says the US leaked its flight path

Gunman attacks Colorado abortion clinic - leaves 3 dead, 9 wounded