By:
• Chhum Chantha

• September 11, 2024 , 7:36 PM

PHNOM PENH  –  An Irrawaddy dolphin was found dead along the coast in Kep city on September 11.

Lai Safarah, a Phum Thmei Community Fishery member, said the 2.1m dolphin was old and weighed about 100kg.

“It may have died five days or even a week ago,” Safarah said. The cause of death had not been yet determined but it might have become entangled in fishing nets, based on scars on its body.

She said the death was another loss of an endangered species. It had been a tourism attraction generating income for local communities.  

Cambodia is home to freshwater and saltwater Irrawaddy dolphins. Kep is known for its small population of these rare species. The Ministry of Agriculture says more than 50 have been found in the province. 

The species has also been found in the Koh Rong archipelago, Sihanoukville, Peam Krasop and Koh Kong province.

Last month, Cambodia reported the death of a female Mekong Irrawaddy dolphin aged eight to 10 years.