Monday April 7, 2025
Khmer Times —
A newborn Mekong Irrawaddy dolphin has been sighted on Friday, bringing the number of dolphin calves born this year to six, increasing the dolphin population to 110, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) on Saturday.
The calf, estimated to be around four days old, was sighted in Anlong Kampi, Sambok commune, Chet Borei district of Kratie province. As of early April 2025, a total of six dolphin calves have been recorded in Cambodia—four in Kratie province and two in Stung Treng—bringing the national population of Mekong Irrawaddy dolphins to 110.
The research team from the Fisheries Administration (FiA) and World Wildlife Fund (WWF) captured footage of the calf at around 1:25 pm on Friday. It is believed the newborn belongs to a female dolphin identified by code number 135, who is part of a group of five adult dolphins regularly seen in the area.
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.