Dolphins and whales are marine creatures hardly associated with the life of Taiwan's population. But the members of the Taipei International Women's Club learned to their big surprise yesterday from Chou Lien-siang, a female professor from the National Taiwan University, that the number of cetacean species in the waters around Taiwan is about 26, representing one-third of the identified species in the world. Many of the TIWC members have read recently about the alarming stranding of 300 whales on the coast of New Zealand. Little did they know - until Chou told them - that the incidence of cetaceans or aquatic, chiefly marine mammals like whales and dolphins getting stranded on the beaches has been increasing around ihe island of Taiwan.

Chou cited a few theories to explain the puzzling animal behavior: "Cetaceans rely heavily on their hearing. They search for food by hearing. Parasites can cause hearing defect. The animals become disoriented, ending up on the shores. Mass stranding can also be due to a wrong leader choice. When a lead er heads for the shore, everyone follows." The quest for a scientific explanation continues though. Chou recalled the futile efforts to save a dolphin in Ilan in the spring of 1994. Finally the mammal died. Dissection of the dolphin took place. "We discovered that one third of the stomach of the poor dolphin was filled with and blocked by plastic bags." said chou, raising concern about environmental destruction.

During the TIWC's November meeting at the American Club in China, Chou also showed video clips of fishermen along Taiwan's coastline, trying to save stranded dolphins and whales. The rough handling of the animals in distress made their rescue and rehabilitation very difficult and even impossible. One dolphin rolled and pushed inland died not long after-wards. When a team finally dissected the animal in Ilan, they found it had sustained 12 broken ribs during the transfer. Chou gave pointers regarding what should be done to help save a dolphin: "Keep the dolphin's body straight. Clean the blow hole on the head to help it breathe. Keep the skin of the animal wet." When at a loss as to how to handle a dolphin in distress, call 090 539977 to reach the Taiwan Cetacean Stranding Net work. Try tels. (02)2366-1331 and (03)377-2272.

Even returning the cetacean to sea should be done properly. Chou advised: "Don't push it roughly back to sea." Chou recommended the use of an open stretcher as learned from the West to ease the shock of a physical move. The use of special aquariums and tanks during the ailing cetaceans' rehabilitation period is also something Taiwan can learn from the West, according to Chou.

Even putting the dolphin back to sea is preceded by having the animal caretakers jump first into the water in order to guide the animal's smooth return to a natural environment. The tendency of the dolphin, even after only a few hours of gentle human handling, is to communicate emotional attachment by swimming in circles in stead of rushing off like an animal just released from a

Whale watching activity also takes place off Taiwan's coast. But don't get too close, warned Chou, for the big aquatic mammals don't like it. Whales are curious and friendly if treated gently, according to Chou. Fishermen used to head out to sea with harpoons. But not anymore. The cetaceans pick up the message instinctively, according to Chou.

Susan Milla, president of TIWC, took the opportunity to invite members to sign up as volunteers during the TlWC's 12th Annual Christmas Charity Bazaar to unfold from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. this Saturday, Nov. 21. at the Taipei American School in Tienmu. A group of Christmas carolers is being organized. Santa Claus will be there, too, for souvenir picture-taking. Another activity, coming up is the tea party to welcome new members at 9:30 a.m. on Nov.24. It will be held at the Government Information Office.