HomeBiodiversity ProjectsCambodian Irrawaddy Dolphin - Endangered Wildlife OÜ

The Cambodian Marine Mammal Conservation Project at Marine Conservation Cambodia combines research, conservation and outreach to protect the Cambodian marine mammals. Currently it focuses its efforts on protecting the Irrawaddy Dolphins within the Kep and Kampot provinces.

The Irrawaddy Dolphin is a small cetacean species that can be found in Southeast Asian rivers, lakes and coastal waters. They are dark grey in colour with a distinctive small, snubbed dorsal fin and a rounded snout. The Irrawaddy Dolphin preys on squid, small fish and crustaceans.

The Irrawaddy Dolphin is considered to be a slow swimmer, but, when startled or threatened, they have been known to reach speeds of 20-25 kph.

Key threats include: pollution; natural system modifications; bycatch from IUU fishing (specifically bottom and electric trawlers); and habitat and prey depletion.