River dolphins in Cambodia grow after successful breeding season
Six baby Irrawaddy dolphins were born in Cambodia during the most recent calving season for this endangered species.
These sacred animals live along a stretch of the Mekong River where local people hold deep spiritual beliefs about them. Communities view the dolphins as reincarnated ancestors and claim they protect villagers from dangerous crocodile attacks.
The new calves bring the total population to 118 individuals within a 75-mile section in the countrys northeast region. Local conservationists see this growth as proof that the special dolphin can recover if environmental dangers are reduced.
Gillnet fishing remains the largest danger to calves who may not know how to steer clear of boats and sounds. Although this fishing still occurs in protected areas, reports indicate it happens on a small scale now due to community efforts.
Starting in 2014, the World Wildlife Fund launched a joint program to diversify community livelihoods away from heavy dependence on fishing. This initiative aims to advance Mekong dolphin conservation by changing local economic activities and reducing pressure on the river.