Irrawaddy dolphin considered as Cambodia’s national living treasure
In Cambodia, the Irrawaddy dolphin is considered as the national living treasure and it is one of just six river dolphin species in the world.
Irrawaddy dolphin currently inhabits the Mekong River in Kratie and Stung Treng provinces.
According to WWF-Cambodia, the presence of the dolphin in the Mekong is an indication of healthy fisheries and healthy rivers, including biodiversity and natural ecosystems that provide life-support services for people.
Dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris) is ranked as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List, the highest international threat ranking for endangered species. The Mekong population was estimated at around 90 individuals. These dolphins have a bulging forehead, short beak, and 12-19 teeth on each side of both jaws. AKP-Phal Sophanith