AKP Phnom Penh, February 10, 2025 --

A dolphin calf of about two days old was sighted on Feb. 9 swimming with a herd of eight other dolphins in Chroy Banteay pool in Prek Prasap district, Kratie province by the research team of the Fisheries Administration and WWF-Cambodia.

This is a positive sign for the endangered Irrawaddy dolphin population. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF)’s news release this evening, this is the third calf born this year.

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 Phen Rattanak