Cambodia & Kampot: Three Electra dolphins rescued successfully

Three Electra dolphins, a species rarely seen in Cambodian waters, were successfully rescued off the coast of Kampot on Sunday 13 April 2025.

The dolphins were spotted stranded near Kampot, prompting a swift response from local authorities and rescue teams. The operation required careful coordination to ensure the animals' safety and their eventual release into deeper waters.

These dolphins are known for their social behaviour, often travelling in large groups, but their presence in Cambodian waters is unusual, making this rescue particularly remarkable. The success of the intervention also demonstrates the capacity and commitment of local conservation teams to respond to marine wildlife emergencies.

The Electra's dolphin, or Peponocephala electra, is a fascinating and relatively unknown marine species belonging to the Delphinidae family. It is the only representative of the genus Peponocephala, making it an exceptional cetacean in the marine kingdom.

Morphologically, this dolphin is distinguished by an oval head, reminiscent of the shape of a melon, and a robust dark grey body, sometimes adorned with black markings on the back. It measures between 2 and 2.5 metres in length and can weigh up to 225 kg, making it an imposing specimen among dolphins. Its mouth is characterised by a white interior, sometimes overflowing onto the lips, and it has a small sickle-shaped dorsal fin as well as long, pointed pectoral fins.

The spinner dolphin mainly inhabits the tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans, preferring deep areas, often off the oceanic islands of volcanic origin. It is essentially a nocturnal predator, hunting pelagic fish, squid and shrimp at depth.

Socially, it moves in large groups of up to 1,000 individuals, and may associate with other species such as the Fraser's dolphin or the long-finned pilot whale. Its lifespan can reach around 40 to 47 years. Sexual maturity is reached at around 11-12 years for females and 16-17 years for males, with a gestation period of around 12 months.

Despite its apparent abundance, the spinner dolphin faces several threats, including accidental capture in fishing nets, noise pollution from sonar, and mass strandings recorded in several regions of the world. Its status according to the IUCN is currently of least concern, but monitoring is still necessary to preserve this mysterious and captivating species.