Rare Mekong Giant Catfish Rediscovered in Cambodia

Conservationists in Cambodia are celebrating the discovery and release of six critically endangered Mekong giant catfish, boosting hopes for the species' revival. The fish, weighing up to 130 kilograms each, were tagged and released by fishermen and officials from Cambodia's Fisheries Administration. This rare event, facilitated by the USAID-funded Wonders of the Mekong project, provides valuable data on the catfish's ecology and migration, offering a chance to implement conservation measures. The species has suffered an 80% population decline due to illegal fishing, habitat loss, and environmental changes in the Mekong River.