Pink Dolphin Population Reaches 70 in Kampot’s Prek Thnaot Fishing Community

A report from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries reveals that the population of pink dolphins in the Prek Thnaot fishing community, located in Kampot Province, Cambodia, has increased to 70 as of the end of 2024.

The Prek Thnaot Fishing Community, situated in Prek Thnaot Sangkat, Bokor City, is dedicated to preserving its natural resources. This includes the protection of mangroves, corals, and seagrasses, as well as the conservation of rare marine species such as pink dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, manatees, and seahorses, which inhabit the community’s waters.

Pink dolphins, scientifically known as Delphinidae, are listed as rare and endangered on the IUCN Red List. These dolphins, found across Southeast Asia and in regions such as South Africa, China, and Hong Kong, owe their distinctive pink color not to pigmentation but to an overdevelopment of blood vessels, which aid in thermoregulation.

Conservation efforts in the area have not only protected marine biodiversity but also boosted local livelihoods. Members of the fishing community benefit economically by offering tourism services, including boat rides to observe dolphins and explore mangroves. Additionally, the community supplies fresh, sustainably caught seafood, further enhancing income opportunities.

A recent video shared by Fresh News showcases the rare pink dolphins in their natural habitat, highlighting the success of conservation initiatives in Cambodia’s coastal regions.

Source: Khmer Times, Fresh News