Injured Irrawaddy Dolphin Found Dead in Kep
An Irrawaddy dolphin was found dead on the beach in Kep province on May 30. Photo: Sa Ry
- By Chhum Chantha
- June 2, 2023 3:11 PM
PHNOM PENH – An Irrawaddy dolphin was found dead on the beach in Kep province on May 30.
El Lokkaman, an assistant at Khmer Ocean Life — an organization working to conserve marine and coastal ecosystems — said it had not been identified as male or female but was an adult. Experts had yet to find the cause of death.
“We have not identified whether it died due to water poisoning, an attack from other sea animals or disease,” Lokkaman said.
Tourist Sa Ry said that while visiting Kep beach on May 29, he saw the dolphin with its intestines spilling out. It weighed 25-30 kilograms. He immediately reported it to authorities.
The Ministry of Agriculture said more than 50 dolphins had been found recently in Kep province. The species has also been found in the Koh Rong archipelago, Sihanoukville, Peam Krasop and Koh Kong province.
These dolphins communicate by emitting sounds at a frequency of 60 MHz. They do not swim quickly but in the event of an accident can swim up to 20 to 25 kilometers per hour. Their regular food is small fish, shrimp, lobster and squid.
