Fresh water dolphins in the Mekong River are almost extinct.

The World Wildlife Fund conservation organisation says there are as few as 70 of the Mekong dolphins in Cambodia and Laos. In the last five years, the bodies of approximately 50 dolphin calves have been found. The bodies contained large amounts of pesticides, mercury, and other toxins.

The WWF is conducting research to determine the exact source of the pollution. The mercury is most likely the result of mining activity taking place near the 4900 kilometre-long Mekong River.