Dolphin birth rate in Mekong River hits high

Cambodia has expressed its confidence that continued cooperation among all relevant stakeholders will ensure the long-term survival and growth of dolphin populations in the Mekong River.

The statement came after the number of newborn dolphins increased to nine within the first 11 months of this year, marking the highest birth rate recorded since 2021.

A newborn calf was discovered by a research team from the Fisheries Administration and World Wide Fund for Nature's Cambodia office on Nov 8 at Kampi Pool, located in Chroy Banteay village in Cambodia's Kratie Province, according to the country's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

The ministry welcomed the ninth dolphin born this year, adding that the newborn cetacean is in good health and is part of a group of two larger dolphins.

Six births were recorded in 2021 but nine dolphins died, the ministry said. In 2022, six dolphins were also born but 11 died. Last year, eight dolphins were born and five died. By early November this year, nine dolphins had been born while only three deaths were recorded so far this year.

Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet also welcomed the unprecedented developments of the past four years, bringing the country's total number of freshwater dolphins to 105 as of early November.

"This is the result of the dedicated efforts of authorities and the public in biodiversity conservation and the protection of national valuable aquatic resources," he said via social media.

WWF-Cambodia country director Arun Muttreja said that the increase to nine dolphin births this year was due to consistent monitoring by Fisheries Administration researchers and his organization, especially during the dolphin breeding season at the end and beginning of the year.

He added that the survival of dolphin calves is highly dependent on effective protection and monitoring by river guards and the researchers, the community and WWF-Cambodia, which are supported by the agriculture ministry and provincial authorities.

Muttreja emphasized that the continued attention of the government, which recognizes dolphins as a living natural treasure, is essential.

The ministry and WWF-Cambodia remain dedicated to efforts that include fieldwork and ongoing protection of dolphins by river guards, and the commitment of major stakeholders was also reflected in a recently signed memorandum of understanding between WWFCambodia and the ministry.

"We strongly believe that the collaboration of all stakeholders, including technical institutions, will continue to ensure the long-term survival and growth of dolphin populations in the Mekong River," Muttreja added.

He called for active participation in dolphin protection, particularly from local communities, noting that the conservation of endangered species can only succeed with the involvement of those who live in the dolphin habitats.

The most recently recorded dolphin death occurred in late August, when an adolescent female was discovered drowned in fishing nets in Chroy Banteay.

THE PHNOM PENH POST, CAMBODIA