A female Mekong Irrawaddy dolphin was found dead in Prey Toteung village, Russey Srok commune, Srey Santhor district, Kampong Cham province on Sept. 12.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF)’s news release, the 2.10-metre-long dead dolphin is about 27 years old and weighs 105 kilogrammes.
According to the research team, the dolphin died due to old age as dolphins have between 25- and 30-year lifespan on average.
The Mekong Irrawaddy dolphins (Orcaella brevirostris) are fully protected under Cambodia’s Fisheries Law. The population is ranked as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List, the highest international threat ranking for endangered species.
The Mekong Irrawaddy dolphins are a living natural treasure of Cambodia with about 90 individuals currently living along the Mekong River in Kratie and Stung Treng provinces.
In the first nine months of this year, there were seven newborn Mekong Irrawaddy dolphins, but four deaths, including an adult, a young adult and two calves.
Source: Agence Kampuchea Presse