AKP Phnom Penh, January 24, 2025 --  

A newborn dolphin was spotted swimming with six adult dolphins on Jan. 23 by a research team of the Fisheries Administration and WWF-Cambodia in Thbong Khla pool located in Thbong Khla village, O’Mreah commune, Siem Bok district, Stung Treng province.

The good news was shared by the Fisheries Administration of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) in a news release this morning, stressing that this is the first ever newborn dolphin in 2025.  

As of early this year, there are a total of 105 Mekong Irrawaddy dolphins in Cambodia, the source pointed out. 

In 2024, Cambodia 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