Cambodia Records First Dolphin Calf This Year

Phnom Penh, February 12, 2024 --

A two-day-old dolphin calf has been found at Anlong Kampi pool in Sambok village, Sambok commune, Chetr Borei district, Kratie province.

This is the first ever dolphin calf registered in Cambodia in 2024, said the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) in a news release.

According to the source, the newborn dolphin was spotted on Feb. 11 at 10:45 am by a river patrol team who then reported it to a research team.

The calf was found swimming in a herd of six adults, the MAFF pointed out.

Last year, eight dolphin calves were counted, up from six each in 2022 and 2021.

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.

According to WWF-Cambodia, 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.