Bhubaneswar: Dolphin population grows in Chilika, Bhitarkanika, Gahiramatha of Odisha. Dolphin population registers growth with 162 in Chilika, 307 spotted in Bhitarkanika and Gahiramatha. This was informed by the Forest and Environment secy Suresh Mohapatra . He also informed that 900 cameras to be installed for the week-long Tiger Census starting tomorrow.
This year’s census by Wildlife Wing has put the number of Irrawaddy dolphins in Chilika lagoon at 114. The enumeration was conducted on January 19 across six coastal divisions of the State where the total number of dolphins was found to be 469, including 163 Irrawaddy dolphins.While Chilika lagoon was found to be home to 114 of them, as many as 45 were spotted in Rajnagar Mangrove division. Irrawaddy dolphins are known to prefer estuaries and brackish water systems which explains their thriving habitat at Bhitarkanika. In Balasore, four of this species were detected.
In 2013-14, the number of Irrawaddy dolphins in Chilika lagoon was estimated at 158 followed by 144 the next year. No census could be carried out in 2015-16 due to inclement weather whereas the 2016-17 estimation put their number at 121.
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