The Mekong giant, about to disappear

The Mekong catfish could become extinct if it was ultimately carried out the construction of a hydroelectric dam on the Mekong River, as recorded by the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF, for its acronym in English).

In its report 'River of Giants' warning of the threat to build a dam on the river for the survival of four species of giant fish, including species of freshwater stingray that can weigh up to 600 kilograms. This line ('Dasyatis laosensis') is the largest freshwater fish in the world. On the other hand, the Mekong giant catfish, which is on the brink of extinction, can grow to three meters in length and weighs 350 kilos.

The dam would present an insurmountable barrier for these giant fish. "The Mekong catfish would simply not be able to swim across the dam to spawn upriver," says Roger Mollot, WWF biologist in Laos. "This would lead to the collapse of the population of this flagship species."

Sayabouly Dam is the first to be built in the lower Mekong River Main. This will also increase the impact of climate change on agriculture and fishing in the area.