Cambodia’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has released the results of an examination and necropsy of a dolphin found dead on the shore of Koh Andeng in Kampong Kboeung village, Boeng Char commune, Sambour district, Kratie province, in early May 2026.
According to the examination findings, the female dolphin, identified as No. 94, had lived in the Tboung Khla dolphin pool in Siem Bouk district, Stung Treng province. She was estimated to be about 30 years old, measured 231 centimetres in length and weighed 170 kilograms.
The examination found severely worn teeth and an empty stomach, with no wounds on her body caused by fishing gear. The ministry’s statement said freshwater Irrawaddy dolphins can begin reproducing from around seven years of age, live up to about 30 years and reach a maximum weight of roughly 150 to 200 kilograms.
On that basis, the specialist team concluded that dolphin No. 94 had died of old age.
The ministry described the period from the previous dolphin death in November 2024 to this natural death in May 2026 as 19 months without any dolphin deaths from other causes. It attributed this to sustained efforts by ministry leaders, specialist officials and river guards to prevent deaths from external causes such as entanglement in fishing nets, electrofishing and boat propeller injuries.
The ministry thanked river guards, fisheries officials, local authorities and residents for their continued participation in conserving and protecting these valuable aquatic resources.
It also urged the public to promptly report sightings of dolphins, especially calves, or illegal fishing to the fisheries authorities on 012 897 943, 011 355 883, 099 791 919, 092 918 144 or 017 818 382.
By: Pai Sokhim
