Guardians of the Mekong: How Drones and AI Aim to Save Cambodia’s Irrawaddy Dolphins

In the silty waters of Cambodia’s Mekong River, a technological revolution is set to unfold in 2026: drones and automated cameras are poised to transform the monitoring of Irrawaddy dolphins—national treasures teetering on the brink of extinction.

This ambitious project, led by Cambodia’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), seeks to boost the population of these cetaceans by deploying high-tech tools in conservation zones, particularly around Kampi in Kratié province.

Mekong Dolphins: A Symbol Under Threat

The Mekong’s Irrawaddy dolphins, Orcaella brevirostris, are listed as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Their population, estimated at around 105 individuals in 2024, has shown a slight uptick thanks to conservation efforts, with eight births and two deaths recorded in the first half of that year. Concentrated along a 180-kilometre stretch between Kratié and Stung Treng, these animals—considered sacred by local communities—embody the health of the river. Yet they face relentless threats: electrofishing, gillnets, hydropower dams, and noise pollution from boats.

Long pushed to the edge of extinction—from thousands in the 1990s to fewer than 90 adults in 2020—their survival depends on protected zones patrolled by 72 river guards. WWF-Cambodia, a key partner since 2007 through the Cambodian Mekong Dolphin Conservation Project (CMDCP), monitors births, mortalities, and threats, underscoring the urgent need for innovation to compensate for limited patrol capacity.

A High-Tech Initiative for 2026

Starting in early 2026, MAFF will deploy automated cameras and drones in the Kampi area of Kratié to modernize round-the-clock monitoring. These tools will track dolphin activity 24/7, detect illegal intrusions, and gather precise data on behavior—without disturbing the animals. Inspired by global successes such as SnotBot for whales or AI-powered drones in New Zealand for Māui dolphins, the plan aligns with national goals to increase freshwater dolphin populations.

Minister Dith Tina recently visited local rangers, reaffirming government commitment backed by WWF and local authorities. In 2025, more than 21,967 hectares of conservation areas were even registered as “land titles” for dolphins, covering 85 kilometres of the river.

Stakes and Challenges in an Uneven Fight

Despite progress, obstacles remain. Dams like Don Sahong disrupt prey migration and cause sedimentation in the deep pools that serve as dolphin habitat. Nets—though banned in protected areas—persist and account for most juvenile deaths. Rangers, despite their dedication, struggle against nighttime operations and resourceful fishers.

High-tech solutions promise enhanced surveillance: thermal drones to spot intrusions, AI-enabled cameras to analyze behavioral patterns—cutting costs and improving efficiency. Yet technical challenges arise in riverine environments: humidity, battery life, and the need to integrate fishing communities into a sustainable ecotourism model.

Outlook: Toward a Technological Lifeline?

This technological pivot could reverse the downward trend, as seen in New Zealand where drones filled scientific gaps with up to 90% identification accuracy. In Cambodia, combined with community education and strengthened patrols, it boosts team morale and attracts eco-conscious tourists, generating income for local villages.

In 2026, as the country celebrates its progress, these guardians of the Mekong may yet rebound—symbols of biodiversity preserved through innovation. Vigilance remains essential: technology alone cannot succeed without strong political will and firm international support.