The third Irrawaddy Dolphin calf of the year was spotted near the Kampi deep pool dolphin protection area in Kratie province. 

The calf was found swimming with six adult dolphins (Orcaella brevirostris) in Sambok commune in Chitr Borei district on February 23, according to a February 28 social media post by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

Earlier last month, two other baby dolphins were spotted in the area, but sadly one older calf was found dead 16km from the area. It was suspected to have been caught in a fishing net and drowned.

The ministry thanked all river guards and members of the general public for their participation in the protection of this rare and endangered species.

Ouk Vibol, director of the ministry’s Fisheries Conservation Department, said that the calf was about seven days old.

He explained that the reason the Fisheries Administration (FiA) delayed the announcement of its presence was it had been attacked by two male adults who were attempting to get to its mother.

“In response to this threat, we deployed a rescue team to separate the male dolphins and prevent them from harming the female dolphin, as well as the newborn calf. The rescue operation was successful, but it was only once we had ensured the calf was safe and would survive that we decided to announce its birth,” he said.

“We urge fishermen to stay away from the dolphin canyon because it is very easy for the mammals to become entangled in fishing nets and illegal fishing gear,” added Vibol.

He described dolphins as a sacred part of the Kingdom’s natural heritage, and asked the public to play their part in keeping them safe. In particular, he asked that anyone who sees a newborn under attack by other dolphins report it to the FiA immediately.

According to Vibol, as of the end of February, three dolphin calves have been born in Cambodia, a marked improvement on the same period in 2023, when just one was born. None were born in the same period in 2022, while just one was recorded in 2021. 

He believed these figures represent a positive trend.

Seng Teak, World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Cambodia country director, agreed, adding that the presence of the calf will motivate all stakeholders to work harder as they conduct their patrols and attempt to suppress fishing offences.

“Both as a conservationist and as a strategic partner of the Cambodian government, this record is great news, and gives us encouragement and hope. We are working together to protect dolphins and maintain the free flow of the Mekong River, which is an important source of life for both people and animals,” he said.

In 2023, Cambodia recorded eight dolphin calves, but two died. According to Vibol, it is estimated that the Kingdom’s Mekong dolphin population, found in Stung Treng and Kratie provinces, is about 90.