Phnom Penh, March 27, 2024 - Cambodia's efforts to conserve its aquatic wildlife have been buoyed by the sighting of a new dolphin calf in the Mekong River, marking the sixth such birth recorded in the country in 2024. The Fisheries Administration of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, in collaboration with WWF-Cambodia, announced the joyful discovery made at the Anlong Koh Pdao pool in Kratie province on March 25.

The young dolphin was observed swimming alongside two adults, a testament to the ongoing conservation measures aimed at protecting the critically endangered Mekong Irrawaddy dolphins. This latest addition follows a year that saw eight dolphin calves, an encouraging increase from the previous counts of six in both 2022 and 2021.

The Mekong Irrawaddy dolphins are considered a living symbol of Cambodia’s natural heritage and are protected under the nation’s Fisheries Law. With their status listed as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List, these aquatic mammals represent a crucial component of the Mekong's biodiversity. Their survival and proliferation are essential indicators of the river's health and the efficacy of conservation efforts in the region.

WWF-Cambodia has highlighted the significance of the dolphin's presence as an indicator of the Mekong's vibrant fisheries and ecosystems, which are vital for sustaining local communities and the overall environmental health of the area.

The continuous observation of newborn dolphins in Cambodia's section of the Mekong River offers a glimmer of hope for the species' recovery and underscores the importance of ongoing conservation initiatives to ensure the future of these majestic creatures and their habitat.