Cambodia’s Mekong River is home to the critically endangered Irrawaddy dolphin.  Experts estimate there are fewer than 100 adults left in Cambodia.  Other estimates say less than 70.

This week the Cambodian government said it will join forces with experts and conservationists to protect the Mekong’s dolphins.  They say they’ll work with the World Wildlife Fund to develop a conservation plan by April 2012.  The dolphin is already fully protected under Cambodian law.  Unfortunately, that doesn’t stop the dangers to this species.

Reports say hundreds of the dolphins were killed by the Khmer Rouge in order to extract oil for machinery, boats and lanterns between 1975 and 1979. These days, they’re endangered by accidental entanglements, illegal fishing, boat collisions, environmental pollution and dam construction.

Irrawaddy dolphins only exist in this region of the world.  The blue is where they live.