AKP Phnom Penh, April 03, 2026 --

The population of Irrawaddy dolphins in the Mekong River has increased to 117 following the sighting of a newborn calf in Kratie province, according to a statement of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) released this afternoon. 

The new calf was discovered on Mar. 31 by a joint research team from the Fisheries General Directorate, the Kratie Fisheries Administration Cantonment, and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).

The sighting took place at the Kampi dolphin pool in Sambok commune, Chetr Borei district. The calf, estimated to be about three days old, was reported to be in good health.

The MAFF said the newborn was observed swimming alongside a group of approximately five adult dolphins and was being guided by an adult identified with code number 21.

This marks the fifth dolphin calf recorded in the Mekong River since the beginning of 2026.

The Mekong Irrawaddy dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris), considered a living natural treasure of Cambodia, is fully protected under the Kingdom’s Fisheries Law. The species is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.

WWF-Cambodia reaffirmed that the presence of dolphins in the Mekong River reflects healthy fisheries, healthy river systems, and rich biodiversity that supports the livelihoods of local communities.

By C. Nika