The Fisheries Administration of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) has announced the presence of another dolphin calf this year.
The newborn dolphin was spotted swimming with a herd of seven other dolphins at 10:18 am on Feb. 14 at Anlong Kampi pool in Sambok village, Sambok commune, Chetr Borei district, Kratie province by the research team of the Fisheries Administration and WWF-Cambodia.
This is the second dolphin calf registered in Cambodia in 2024, said the Fisheries Administration in a news release this evening.
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.
Source:Agence Kampuchea Presse