Cambodia: Cambodia registered another newborn dolphin calf, bringing the total newborns this year to nine, the highest number in the past four years, pointed out the Fisheries Administration of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) in a news release on Friday. The newborn dolphin was spotted swimming with two adult dolphins on Nov. 8 at Kampi pool in Chroy Banteay village, Sambok commune, Chetr Borei district, Kratie province by a research team of the Fisheries Administration and WWF-Cambodia, the source said.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, in 2021, Cambodia counted the birth of six dolphin calves and the loss of nine dolphins. In 2022, there were six newborns, but 11 dead dolphins, while last year, eight dolphin calves were born, but five died.

As of early November 2024, nine newborn and only three dead dolphins were recorded in the country.

The Mekong Irrawaddy dolphins (Orcaella brevirostris) are a living natural treasure of Cambodia and are fully protected under the Kingdom’
s Fisheries Law. The population is ranked as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List, the highest international threat ranking for endangered species.

The presence of the dolphin in the Mekong is an indication of healthy fisheries and healthy rivers, including biodiversity and natural ecosystems that provide life-support services for people.