The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries reported that a research team from the Fisheries Administration (FiA) and World Wild Fund for Nature (WWF) Cambodia discovered a newborn dolphin calf on March 22 in Koh Preah village’s Anlong Kaing Koun Sat area, in Stung Treng province’s Siem Bok district. 

Ministry spokeswoman Im Rachna confirmed the finding of the calf, which was part of a group of six other dolphins.

She said, however, that another baby dolphin was tragically discovered dead in neighbouring Kratie provinces’s Prek Prasap district on the morning of the same day, approximately 10km from Anlong Kampi.

“The deceased dolphin, measuring 1.06m in length and weighing 11kg, appears to have been born within a day or two. Preliminary assessments suggest that the death of the baby dolphin … may have been caused by interactions with larger dolphins. However, the research team is continuing its investigation to determine the exact cause,” she explained.

The ministry also expressed gratitude to those who have contributed to the conservation and protection of these precious fishery resources. It urged the public to refrain from using electric shock devices and large nets in areas frequented by the mammals.

The ministry encouraged fisherfolk who encounter dolphins to report their sightings to the fisheries authority. Contact can be made using the following telephone numbers: 012 897 943, 011 355 883, 099 791 919, 092 918 144 and 017 818 382.

So far this year, Cambodia has reported the birth of five new dolphin calves and the death of two.

According to a report from the FiA, the Kingdom is home to a total of 89 dolphins, including those in Stung Treng and Kratie provinces. In the Kampi area of Kratie’s Sambor district, their population is estimated to be between 35 and 40.

One of two newborn Irrawaddy dolphin calfs was found dead on March 22. MAFF