A newborn dolphin calf has been spotted in Kratie province, bringing Cambodia’s population of Mekong Irrawaddy dolphins to 112.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries announced today, December 2, that the newborn was spotted by research and patrol teams from the Fisheries Administration and WWF-Cambodia on the afternoon of December 1, in the Kampi Dolphin Pool area, located in Kampi village, Sambok commune, Chitr Borei district.
“Researchers confirmed that this eighth newborn calf is about one day old, in good health and swimming alongside its mother — identified by code number 138 — within a group of four other adult dolphins,” said the ministry.
For the first time, zero dolphin deaths have been recorded for more than a year, from November 13, 2024. With the new birth, the total population of Mekong Irrawaddy dolphins — considered a national treasure — has increased to 112, up from the 90 individuals recorded in 2002, when monitoring began.
The record of zero dolphin mortality is an unprecedented conservation success. The Ministry extended its gratitude to the river guards, local authorities and community members who have participated in conserving and protecting this priceless aquatic resource.
The ministry also appealed to fishermen and the public to report any dolphin sightings — especially newborn calves — to the Fisheries Administration through the following contact numbers: 012 897943, 011 355883, 099 791919, 092 918144 and 017 818382.
