AKP Phnom Penh, January 26, 2025 --  

Another dolphin calf has been counted, said the Fisheries Administration of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) in a news release on Jan. 25, stressing that this is the second dolphin calf registered in Cambodia early this year.

The newborn dolphin was spotted swimming with a herd of eight other dolphins at 02:15 pm on Jan. 24 at Thbong Khla pool located in Thbong Khla village, O’Mreah commune, Siem Bok district, Stung Treng province by the research team of the Fisheries Administration and WWF-Cambodia. 

Earlier on Jan. 23, the first dolphin calf was sighted swimming with six adult dolphins at the same pool.

As of early 2025, there are at least 105 Mekong Irrawaddy dolphins in Cambodia. 

Last year, the Kingdom registered nine newborns, the highest number in the past four year. In 2023, eight dolphin calves were born, 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.

By C. Nika