Thai marine officials are searching for a rare species of whale that has been spotted off Phi Phi Island in Krabi. Nation Thailand reports that a tourist travelling by boat spotted the white Omura’s whale, also known as an albino whale.
Professor Thon Thamrongnawasawat from Kasetsart University’s Department of Marine Science mentioned the sighting on Facebook, saying the chances of seeing the incredibly rare white Omura whale is about 1 in 10 million or more.
Officials are now stepping up the search for the marine creature, concerned about its welfare and to learn more about its population and habitat. Both the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation and the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources say their research will help develop conservation plans for the whale.
A surveillance vessel with a drone has now been deployed to survey the area.
SOURCE: Nation Thailand
