A newborn dolphin calf, estimated to be about two days old, spotted on the morning of March 5, was the second newborn recorded this year, bringing the Kingdom’s Mekong River dolphin population in Cambodia to 114.
The baby dolphin was sighted by a research team from the Kratie Fisheries Administration (FiA), working with staff from WWF Cambodia, within the Kampi dolphin pool, located in Kratie province’s Kampi village.
The first calf was first observed in mid-February, and no deaths have been reported.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries said the researchers reported that the calf, which appeared healthy, was swimming with a pod of seven adults.
The siting occurred just days before the Mekong River Dolphin Conservation and Tourism Development Commission is scheduled to hold a March 9 meeting in Kratie town.
The meeting is expected to serve as an important platform for stakeholders to review past achievements, discuss ongoing challenges and outline future plans aimed at improving the management, protection and conservation of Mekong River dolphins, regarded as a national treasure of Cambodia and a vital symbol of the Mekong River.
“[The birth] is a powerful indicator that shows conservation efforts are working. The newborn is a sign of a healing nature and biodiversity, which not only benefits nature but also us all,” said WWF Cambodia.
