AKP Phnom Penh, May 25, 2025 -- 

The number of Mekong Irrawaddy dolphins in Cambodia rose to 111 as of May 25, following the sighting of a newborn at Kampi pool in Chroy Banteay village, Chroy Banteay commune, Prek Prasap district, Kratie province.

The dolphin calf estimated to be about two days old, was photographed at around 10:00 AM, on May 25 by a research team from the Fisheries Administration and WWF-Cambodia, said the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in a press release.

The newborn was spotted swimming with four other adult dolphins, the source added.

This marks the seventh newborn dolphin recorded in Cambodia’s Mekong River since the beginning of 2025 – with five calves found in Kratie province and 2 in Stung Treng province – signaling hope for the conservation of this critically endangered species.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries expressed gratitude to the 72 river guards in the two provinces, as well as the authorities, and community members for their ongoing efforts to protect and preserve Cambodia’s precious aquatic resources.

Last year, the Kingdom registered nine newborns, the highest number in the past four years. 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 dolphins 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