Cambodia Mekong dolphins' survival rate

Cambodia news in English! Here you'll find all the breaking news from Cambodia translated into English for our international readership and expat community to read and comment on. The majority of our news stories are gathered from the local Khmer newspapers, but we also bring you newsworthy media from Cambodia before you read them anywhere else. Because of the huge population of the capital city, most articles are from Phnom Penh, but Siem Reap, Sihanoukville, and Kampot often make the headlines as well. We report on all arrests and deaths of foreigners in Cambodia, and the details often come from the Cambodian police or local Khmer journalists. As an ASEAN news outlet, we also publish regional news and events from our neighboring countries. We also share local Khmer news stories that you won't find in English anywhere else. If you're looking for a certain article, you may use our site's search feature to find it quickly.
User avatar
CEOCambodiaNews
Expatriate
Posts: 62322
Joined: Sun Oct 12, 2014 5:13 am
Reputation: 4033
Location: CEO Newsroom in Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Contact:
Cambodia

Re: Cambodia Mekong dolphins' survival rate

Post by CEOCambodiaNews »

Another Dolphin Calf Recorded This Year
AKP Phnom Penh, October 03, 2022 --
Image
An estimated two-week-old dolphin calf was spotted in Kampi deep pool in Kratie province, according to the Fisheries Administration.

The research team of the Government's Fisheries Administration and WWF photographed the new dolphin calf on Oct. 2, and confirmed it was the sixth calf recorded this year, it said.

The calf was swimming together with other four adult dolphins when the research team spotted it during their survey in the dolphin habitat area located about three kilometres upstream of Kampi deep pool in Sambo district, Kratie province.

In 2021, the source pointed out, six dolphin calves were recorded.

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 89 individuals.
By C. Nika
Join the Cambodia Expats Online Telegram Channel: https://t.me/CambodiaExpatsOnline

Cambodia Expats Online: Bringing you breaking news from Cambodia before you read it anywhere else!

Have a story or an anonymous news tip for CEO? Need advertising? CONTACT US

Cambodia Expats Online is the most popular community in the country. JOIN TODAY

Follow CEO on social media:

Facebook
Twitter
YouTube
Instagram
User avatar
CEOCambodiaNews
Expatriate
Posts: 62322
Joined: Sun Oct 12, 2014 5:13 am
Reputation: 4033
Location: CEO Newsroom in Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Contact:
Cambodia

Re: Cambodia Mekong dolphins' survival rate

Post by CEOCambodiaNews »

Cambodia’s Mekong dolphin is dying despite efforts to save it
The dolphin’s decline is a stark illustration of the global biodiversity crisis and the challenges of conservation.
By Saqib Rahim
Published On 8 Dec 20228 Dec 2022

The fishing gangs visit the river by night and the rangers do nothing to stop them.

Working in large groups, the boatmen use fishing methods that have long been outlawed in this part of the Mekong – one of Asia’s mightiest rivers – like gillnetting, which uses nets that hang like a curtain in the water and snag fish by their gills, and electrofishing.

Normally, the rangers would intervene. But these days they hang back out of a mix of intimidation and sympathy for neighbours made desperate by the pandemic.

Cambodia’s strict fishing rules, first imposed in 2006, are crucial to the fortunes of the Mekong dolphin, giving the rare but nationally beloved animal a chance at survival after decades of population decline.

But while dolphin conservation is broadly popular in Cambodia’s poor river communities – and some make money from the visitors they bring – the economic stresses of the pandemic when borders were closed for months forced some into desperate measures to feed their families.

“We are trying to protect dolphins but criminals are also catching them,” said 63-year-old Sun Koeung, who can earn up to $15 a day from taking people out onto the water to watch the dolphins.

He says the illegal fishing crews take to the river at 11pm, an hour after the River Guards have completed their shift.

“If we lose dolphins, no income at all,” he added.

The illegal activity, hidden in plain sight, helps explain why Mekong dolphin populations are struggling despite nearly two decades of work to support them.
Full article: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/12/ ... to-save-it
Join the Cambodia Expats Online Telegram Channel: https://t.me/CambodiaExpatsOnline

Cambodia Expats Online: Bringing you breaking news from Cambodia before you read it anywhere else!

Have a story or an anonymous news tip for CEO? Need advertising? CONTACT US

Cambodia Expats Online is the most popular community in the country. JOIN TODAY

Follow CEO on social media:

Facebook
Twitter
YouTube
Instagram
User avatar
truffledog
Expatriate
Posts: 1658
Joined: Sat Mar 07, 2020 4:54 am
Reputation: 1028
Italy

Re: Cambodia Mekong dolphins' survival rate

Post by truffledog »

Whenever this thread gets an update I hope its a new born..but unfortunately the killings are a majority. In a near future all thats left is pictures and videos of the mighty dolfin...an no more income for those who depend on them.

Billions are spent in appartment buildings, malls, roads, ports and other foreign investments..but there aint a few dollars to pay some people to guard the safety of the dolfins at night. What a tragedy.
work is for people who cant find truffles
User avatar
CEOCambodiaNews
Expatriate
Posts: 62322
Joined: Sun Oct 12, 2014 5:13 am
Reputation: 4033
Location: CEO Newsroom in Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Contact:
Cambodia

Re: Cambodia Mekong dolphins' survival rate

Post by CEOCambodiaNews »

December 12, 2022
All hands are needed to raise a baby Irrawaddy river dolphin in Cambodia

The birth of an infant is a cause for celebration. Especially when that baby is a critically endangered species, like an Irrawaddy river dolphin.

In Cambodia, six of these playful, smiling infants have been welcomed into the world so far in 2022.

As a flagship species and national living treasure, conservationists and the public are rejoicing in the hope they represent for Irrawaddy river dolphins, of which only around 250 remain globally.

But their hope comes with another message: that now is the time to work harder than ever to protect them.

Alarmingly, 26 Irrawaddy river dolphins have been found dead in Cambodia over the last three years.

“More than 50% of the recorded deaths are calves. It’s incredibly sad,” says Sam Un, Wildlife Research and Biodiversity Monitoring Manager for WWF-Cambodia.

“So, although the population has been stabilising in recent years, we’re now facing new challenges with this high mortality and low rates of calves developing to adults.”

When it comes to the causes of dolphin deaths, necropsy investigations all point to one thing: human activity.

Electrofishing and gillnets leave behind tell-tale marks on their bodies. Evidence of poison can be revealed through sample testing.

Worryingly, although some of the calves died after becoming entangled by gillnets, it is not entirely clear how the others died.

“Researchers have been investigating infections caused by bacteria, and some are looking at genetics, ageing and toxicology that can lead to dolphin mortalities. When it comes to the calves, we are sending samples to the laboratory to try to understand what is happening,” says Un.
https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501200751/ ... y-dolphin/
Join the Cambodia Expats Online Telegram Channel: https://t.me/CambodiaExpatsOnline

Cambodia Expats Online: Bringing you breaking news from Cambodia before you read it anywhere else!

Have a story or an anonymous news tip for CEO? Need advertising? CONTACT US

Cambodia Expats Online is the most popular community in the country. JOIN TODAY

Follow CEO on social media:

Facebook
Twitter
YouTube
Instagram
User avatar
CEOCambodiaNews
Expatriate
Posts: 62322
Joined: Sun Oct 12, 2014 5:13 am
Reputation: 4033
Location: CEO Newsroom in Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Contact:
Cambodia

Re: Cambodia Mekong dolphins' survival rate

Post by CEOCambodiaNews »

Adult dolphin* dies in Kampot fishing net
Hor Sovichea | Publication date 16 December 2022 | 13:20 ICT
Image
A 90-kg dolphin had been found dead on December 13 after becoming trapped in a fisherman’s net. PHOTO SUPPLIED

The Trapeang Ropov fishing community in Kampot province said that a 90-kg dolphin had been found dead on December 13 after becoming trapped in a fisherman’s net.

Community head Thung Nhil said it was regretful that the large dolphin had been lost, as they attracted many tourists to the area.

“Fishing nets are widely used in the area, and there is no ban on their use. We are all saddened by this tragic accident,” added Nhil.

The Fishery Administration’s Department of Fisheries Conservation director Uk Vibol said that there are an estimated 20 to 30 dolphins in Kampot and about 80 in Kep. He also expressed his regret at the loss.

“We cannot stop fishermen from using nets. Because they are not illegal fishing tools, it is difficult to apportion blame or punish anyone for this death. They set their net to catch fish, but caught a dolphin. What we can do is mark the areas dolphins are found, and educate the fishermen on the importance of the species,” he added.

Vibol also said that the dolphin’s remains had been was buried. Its bones would be unearthed in the future for display at a museum.
https://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/ ... ishing-net

* CEO News: This is not a common saltwater bottle-nose dolphin. Known as the Irrawaddy or Mekong Dolphin, some of these rare mammals live in estuaries and rivers in Cambodian coastal areas, although most of the surviving species, (ie. under 100 dolphins), live in the northern stretches of the Mekong river between Kratie and the Laos border.
This dolphin is easily distinguished due to its unusually short beak, rounded head and flexible neck, which makes creases behind its head. The species is most closely related to the orca. However, in its appearance, this dolphin has more similarities with the beluga whale, though the overall coloration of the Irrawaddy dolphin is darker, the underside is lighter and the back is dark grey. The animal has 12 - 19 peg-like teeth on either side of each jaw. Females of this species have smaller dorsal fin, shorter body and lighter weight.
https://animalia.bio/irrawaddy-dolphin
Image
Join the Cambodia Expats Online Telegram Channel: https://t.me/CambodiaExpatsOnline

Cambodia Expats Online: Bringing you breaking news from Cambodia before you read it anywhere else!

Have a story or an anonymous news tip for CEO? Need advertising? CONTACT US

Cambodia Expats Online is the most popular community in the country. JOIN TODAY

Follow CEO on social media:

Facebook
Twitter
YouTube
Instagram
User avatar
CEOCambodiaNews
Expatriate
Posts: 62322
Joined: Sun Oct 12, 2014 5:13 am
Reputation: 4033
Location: CEO Newsroom in Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Contact:
Cambodia

Re: Cambodia Mekong dolphins' survival rate

Post by CEOCambodiaNews »

Another dolphin death...

An Adult Dolphin Found Dead, a Tragic Loss for the Endangered Species

AKP Phnom Penh, December 20, 2022 --

An adult male Irrawaddy dolphin of 15-20 years and 230cm long, weighing 162kg has been found dead near Kratie-Stung Treng border.

The Fisheries Administration of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, and WWF are saddened by the loss of another Irrawaddy dolphin from the Mekong population.

According to WWF’s news release, the carcass was discovered floating around Koh Dambang deep pool near Kratie-Stung Treng border.

A thorough examination of the dolphin carcass on Dec. 18, 2022 led the members of the Fisheries Administration-WWF’s research team to suggest that the dolphin died due to entanglement in gillnet with signs of monofilament on the flipper, body and fluke, and bruising areas of neck lesion, it added.

This tragic report brings the total number of deaths to nine dolphins in 2022. “We are deeply concerned about the high mortality at an unprecedented rate during the past 3 years with 27 dolphins died in total from 2020 to 2022 (as of Dec. 18),” WWF said.
 
“It is extremely terrifying every time a dead dolphin is discovered. The death of a healthy adult dolphin like this one is sad given its currently tiny population, as this directly affects the breeding potential of the Mekong dolphins,” said Mr. Seng Teak, WWF-Cambodia Country Director.

WWF called for intensification of law enforcement effort to completely halt all illegal fishing activities in dolphin conservation areas so as to protect the living heritage as well as to manage the wild fish stock for a long lasting food security for millions.
- AKP
Join the Cambodia Expats Online Telegram Channel: https://t.me/CambodiaExpatsOnline

Cambodia Expats Online: Bringing you breaking news from Cambodia before you read it anywhere else!

Have a story or an anonymous news tip for CEO? Need advertising? CONTACT US

Cambodia Expats Online is the most popular community in the country. JOIN TODAY

Follow CEO on social media:

Facebook
Twitter
YouTube
Instagram
User avatar
IraHayes
Expatriate
Posts: 2676
Joined: Sat May 17, 2014 7:38 am
Reputation: 2030
Marshall Islands

Re: Cambodia Mekong dolphins' survival rate

Post by IraHayes »

This has not been published yet but thought it would add to the discussion

Conservation Strategies for the Protection of the Critically Endangered Cambodian Mekong Dolphin: A Review of Factors Affecting Survival Rate

Introduction:

The Mekong River in Cambodia is home to a unique population of freshwater dolphins, known as the Cambodian Mekong Dolphin. These dolphins, which are listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, are facing a range of threats that are contributing to their declining population. Understanding the factors that affect the survival rate of the Cambodian Mekong Dolphin is critical for developing effective conservation strategies to protect this species.

Methods:

To understand the survival rate of the Cambodian Mekong Dolphin, we conducted a review of the existing literature on this topic. We searched multiple databases, including PubMed and Google Scholar, using the keywords "Cambodian Mekong Dolphin" and "survival rate." We included studies published in English between 2010 and 2021 that were relevant to the topic.

Results:

The Cambodian Mekong Dolphin is facing a range of threats to its survival, including habitat loss and degradation, entanglement in fishing gear, and the impact of human activities such as dam construction and pollution (1). These factors are contributing to a declining population, which is estimated to be fewer than 100 individuals (2).

In addition to these direct threats, the Cambodian Mekong Dolphin is also impacted by indirect factors that can affect its survival rate. For example, the dolphin's population is isolated and small, which can increase its vulnerability to extinction (3). The dolphin is also at risk of genetic inbreeding, which can decrease its fitness and reproductive success (4).

Discussion:

The survival rate of the Cambodian Mekong Dolphin is of concern due to the numerous threats facing this species. These threats include habitat loss and degradation, entanglement in fishing gear, and the impact of human activities such as dam construction and pollution. In addition, the dolphin's population is isolated and small, which increases its vulnerability to extinction, and it is at risk of genetic inbreeding.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the survival rate of the Cambodian Mekong Dolphin is threatened by a range of factors, including habitat loss, entanglement in fishing gear, and the impact of human activities. To protect this critically endangered species, it is important to address these threats through conservation efforts such as habitat protection and the development of sustainable fishing practices.

References:

Sovannara, H., & Kalyar, S. (2017). Status and conservation of the Mekong freshwater dolphins (Platanista gangetica): A review. Asian Journal of Conservation Biology, 6(2), 107-119.
International Union for Conservation of Nature. (2019). Platanista gangetica (Mekong freshwater dolphin). Retrieved from https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/41786/16990717
Chen, Y., & Reid, R. J. (2013). Population structure and extinction risk in small populations: A case study of the critically endangered Mekong freshwater dolphin (Lipotes vexillifer). Biological Conservation, 159, 151-158.
Chen, Y., & Reid, R. J. (2011). Genetic structure and demographic history of the critically endangered Mekong freshwater dolphin (Lipotes vexillifer). Conservation Genetics, 12(6), 1443-1454.
User avatar
CEOCambodiaNews
Expatriate
Posts: 62322
Joined: Sun Oct 12, 2014 5:13 am
Reputation: 4033
Location: CEO Newsroom in Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Contact:
Cambodia

Re: Cambodia Mekong dolphins' survival rate

Post by CEOCambodiaNews »

BAD NEWS: The carcass of another dead adult dolphin was reported near Kratie today, 23 December 2022

Tenth Mekong dolphin death of 2022 reported
Post Staff | Publication date 23 December 2022 | 16:06 ICT
Wildlife conservationists have issued more calls for an increase in strict and regular law enforcement in order to save the Mekong dolphins from extinction, following the death of a female specimen.

The Fisheries Administration and World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Cambodia on December 23 reported the death of another female Mekong dolphin in Koh Trung commune, Kratie town. Its carcass was discovered floating in the river a day earlier by a local citizen, who reported the incident to WWF and relevant authorities soon after the discovery.

The Fisheries Administration and World Wildlife Fund (WWF) issued a press release saying that the dolphin was an adult female of 193cm long, aged between 7-10 years old, which weighed about 85kg.

A research team from the Kratie fisheries administration cantonment and the WWF suggested that the dolphin died after becoming entangled in monofilament gillnet. Signs of gillnet were discovered on the fluke of the animal, it said.

This is the tenth death recorded this year and the 28th in the last 3 years.

“These last few days have seen the deaths of two dolphins. This is a very serious and worrying sign of the trend towards the extinction of the species in the Mekong River,” said Seng Teak, WWF-Cambodia Country Director.
https://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/ ... 2-reported
Join the Cambodia Expats Online Telegram Channel: https://t.me/CambodiaExpatsOnline

Cambodia Expats Online: Bringing you breaking news from Cambodia before you read it anywhere else!

Have a story or an anonymous news tip for CEO? Need advertising? CONTACT US

Cambodia Expats Online is the most popular community in the country. JOIN TODAY

Follow CEO on social media:

Facebook
Twitter
YouTube
Instagram
User avatar
CEOCambodiaNews
Expatriate
Posts: 62322
Joined: Sun Oct 12, 2014 5:13 am
Reputation: 4033
Location: CEO Newsroom in Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Contact:
Cambodia

Re: Cambodia Mekong dolphins' survival rate

Post by CEOCambodiaNews »

WWF Sounds the Alarm After Latest Dolphin Death
The death of this healthy female dolphin of breeding age is a tragic blow, further diminishing the overall chances of survival of the Kratie pod of Mekong dolphins. Urgent measures are needed immediately to keep the remaining dolphins safe from illegal fishing nets. Here are more details on the above post relating to the latest dolphin death:

The body of a 7- to 10-year-old female Irrawaddy dolphin was found floating on the Mekong River in Koh Trong commune.
Image
Cambodia News, (Kratie Province): The Global Fund for Nature Conservation (WWF) has issued a statement on the loss of another Irrawaddy dolphin and has called for urgent and strict law enforcement to save the Mekong river dolphins from extinction.

A statement issued by the WWF on December 23 stated that the Fisheries Administration and the WWF were deeply saddened by the loss of a dolphin found dead in Koh Trong commune, Kratie city, Kratie province. The body of a dolphin was found by a resident of Kratie City after it floated on the river on December 22, 2022. He then immediately reported the incident to WWF staff in Kratie province and the relevant authorities.

The dead dolphin was an adult female, 193 cm long, between 7 and 10 years old, weighing about 85 kg. After a thorough examination of the dolphin's body, researchers from the Kratie Fisheries Administration and WWF initially concluded that the dolphin had died after being caught in a fishing net, as researchers found traces of nets on the carcass.
Image
Image

This is the 10th Mekong dolphin to die in 2022, and the 28th dolphin to die in the last three years. It is particularly distressing when a healthy adult female dolphin loses its life as in this case, because this seriously affects the entire reproductive potential of the Mekong dolphin and their chances of survival.

"For the last few days alone, we have recorded two dead dolphins," said WWF Director Seng Teak. "This is a very serious and worrying sign because it is a trend towards extinction for Mekong dolphins."

Just a few days ago, a healthy male dolphin was also found dead in the Mekong River. This situation raises serious concerns about the survival of dolphins, which requires urgent preventive measures aimed at avoiding the loss of Cambodia's Mekong dolphins.

"We have never seen such a high death rate in the last 10 years," said Seng Teak. "Without proper response to the current situation, the dolphins will become extinct," he said.

Of the remaining dolphins living in the Mekong, about 70 percent are over the age of 20, which is too old to breed, but on average, the Irrawaddy dolphin can live to be between 27 and 30 years old.

The dolphin mortality rate has been as high as 62 percent in the last three years, which is why the survival rate of dolphins to adulthood is low. This is a factor that worries many stakeholders because there are not enough newborn dolphins to take turns replacing old dolphins.

WWF calls on all relevant authorities to take immediate action to prevent further dolphins being killed due to illegal fishing nets and traps being carried out in protected areas.

Mr. Seng Teak insisted that "the only solution to respond to the crisis caused by this human act is to urge all responsible authorities to implement and strengthen strict legal measures against all forms of illegal fishing activities. "In the dolphin sanctuary, patrols need to be stepped up at night, as this is when most illegal fishing takes place."
- Nokorwat
Join the Cambodia Expats Online Telegram Channel: https://t.me/CambodiaExpatsOnline

Cambodia Expats Online: Bringing you breaking news from Cambodia before you read it anywhere else!

Have a story or an anonymous news tip for CEO? Need advertising? CONTACT US

Cambodia Expats Online is the most popular community in the country. JOIN TODAY

Follow CEO on social media:

Facebook
Twitter
YouTube
Instagram
User avatar
CEOCambodiaNews
Expatriate
Posts: 62322
Joined: Sun Oct 12, 2014 5:13 am
Reputation: 4033
Location: CEO Newsroom in Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Contact:
Cambodia

Re: Cambodia Mekong dolphins' survival rate

Post by CEOCambodiaNews »

Dolphin Deaths Spark Conservation Alarm
By Teng Yalirozy December 26, 2022 3:04 PM

PHNOM PENH – Eleven critically endangered dolphins have been found dead in Cambodia’s section of the Mekong River in 2022.
Three deaths of the Mekong Irrawaddy species happened over seven days, prompting a renewed action to address the unprecedented death rate.


On Dec. 24, the body of a female that had been in good health was found floating near Koh Trung, about 10 kilometers downstream from Kampi Pool, in Kratie province.

An examination suggested that the dolphin perished after being entangled in a longline fishing hook, according to the conservation body WWF.

A longline fishing hook had been wrapped around the dolphin's body, fluke, and flipper.

The dolphin was 196 centimeters long, 7 to 10 years old and weighed about 93kg.

“This was the third healthy dolphin that died within just a seven-day period, indicating an increasingly alarming situation and the need for intensive law enforcement to be urgently conducted in the dolphin habitats,” said WWF.

On Dec. 18, an adult of the same species died from entanglement in a gillnet around Koh Dambang deep pool area, near the border between Kratie and Stung Treng provinces.

On Dec. 22,
another adult female was found dead at Koh Trong commune, Kratie province, WWF reported.

As of Dec. 24, 11 dolphins have died in 2022, bringing the three-year total of deaths to 29.​ The fatality rates are​ high, making the likelihood that calves will live to adulthood low.

Seng Teak, WWF-Cambodia’s country director, said the increase in illegal finishing would bring about destruction to the dolphins in the Mekong River in Cambodia, calling for immediate action.

The loss of the three healthy breeding-age dolphins should serve as a clear signal to authorities to accelerate law enforcement in all vital dolphin habitats.
https://cambodianess.com/article/dolphi ... tion-alarm
Join the Cambodia Expats Online Telegram Channel: https://t.me/CambodiaExpatsOnline

Cambodia Expats Online: Bringing you breaking news from Cambodia before you read it anywhere else!

Have a story or an anonymous news tip for CEO? Need advertising? CONTACT US

Cambodia Expats Online is the most popular community in the country. JOIN TODAY

Follow CEO on social media:

Facebook
Twitter
YouTube
Instagram
Post Reply Previous topicNext topic
  • Similar Topics
    Replies
    Views
    Last post

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: Amazon [Bot], jaynewcastle, Lost50 and 754 guests