WWF Statement on the Tragic Loss of Irrawaddy Dolphin Calf

Posted on 16 November 2020

WWF mourns the tragic loss of a dolphin that was found dead in Roka Knor commune, Krouch Chhmar district, Thbong Khmum province. The dolphin’s carcass was discovered this morning floating in the river by a local villager, who reported the incident to relevant authorities soon after the discovery.

After arriving at scenes, the specialists with the Government’s Fisheries Administration and WWF, began to examine the carcass, which was still fresh, presuming the animal died about two days ago. A preliminary examination shows the dead dolphin was a male calf of about 7 days old, 12 kilograms and 103 centimetres long. The specialists group informed that no signs of physical injuries or gillnet entanglement have been identified on the carcass, suggesting that the animal died of unknown cause. They now transferred the carcass to be preserved in a proper place, where they will carry out necessary sample collection for further investigation in order to determine the cause of death.

Entanglement in gillnets and illegal fishing practices are among major known cause of death in adult dolphins. The cause of calf mortality however remains unclear, raising a serious concern over the future survival of the species.

Urgent need for more collective action to save the Mekong dolphins population from extinction after latest census shows only 89 individuals still swim in the Mekong river.

The Mekong dolphin calf's carcass found in Tbong Khmum province.