Mekong dolphin photo-identification surveys play an important role in monitoring the dolphin population in the river, said the WWF Cambodia.
According to its recent news release, the study is conducted every two or three years by the researchers of the Fisheries Administration and WWF in the dolphin's habitat covering a 180 km stretch of the Mekong, from Kratie to Stung Treng provinces, Cambodia.
This first photo-identification survey out of a series of three surveys in 2023 was conducted from Jan. 12-17, 2023, also with the participation of international experts from the Sarasota Dolphin Research Center Program, U.S. Marine Mammal Commission, and IUCN SSC Cetacean Specialist Group.
The data from this current identification survey will be included with the following two surveys for this year to support a 2023 population estimate. The report is crucial for providing an update on the Mekong population and supporting relevant government agencies at all levels, NGO partners, and wildlife scientists in defining innovative measures for strengthening the conservation of the Mekong dolphins.
The 2020 population surveys estimated that only 89 dolphins remain swimming in the Mekong from Kratie to Stung Treng. The Mekong Dolphins' survival is threatened by illegal fishing and the impact of upstream dams.
WWF stands ready to collaborate with all relevant stakeholders to support an enhanced management and conservation strategy to protect the critically endangered Mekong dolphins, considered Cambodia's national living treasure.
Source: Agency Kampuchea Press