Phnom Penh: The Fisheries Administration of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) announced the discovery of a third newborn Irrawaddy dolphin calf in Cambodia this year.

The calf was spotted swimming alongside a pod of six other dolphins on February 23rd, 2024, at the Anlong Preah Sang pool in Kratie province's Sambok village. The sighting was reported by a research team comprising members from the Fisheries Administration and WWF-Cambodia.

This news follows the encouraging trend observed in 2023, where eight dolphin calves were recorded, exceeding the numbers seen in 2022 and 2021 (six each year).

The Mekong Irrawaddy dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris) is a critically endangered species, classified as such on the IUCN Red List, the highest international threat ranking. Recognized as a living natural treasure of Cambodia, these dolphins are fully protected under the Kingdom's Fisheries Law.

According to WWF-Cambodia, the continued presence of dolphins in the Mekong River signifies a healthy ecosystem with thriving fisheries and biodiversity. These natural systems are crucial life-support services for the local population.

This revised article maintains the original information while improving readability and clarity. It also removes unnecessary repetition and emphasizes key points like the endangered status of the species and the significance of its presence in the ecosystem.