Dolphin Census Begins in Odisha

Kendrapara: A three-day dolphin census has commenced in the Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary and Bhitarkanika rivers and canals in Odisha’s Kendrapara district. The census, which started today, involves nine teams, each comprising 4 to 5 enumerators. The initiative aims to assess dolphin populations in these key habitats.

The forest department previously conducted a similar census in the Astaranga forest range, focusing on dolphins in the sea and river systems. This effort, which began on Monday, also spanned three days and involved four specialized teams led by Astaranga Forest Ranger Monalisa Mohapatra.

In Astaranga, one team conducted counts in the Kadua River, a tributary of the Devi River, while another focused on the sea stretch between the Devi River mouth and Chandrabhaga. Additional teams worked from Jainiya to Ganga Devi and along the sea stretch between Jainiya and Balasore.

Notably, the Astaranga teams recorded sightings of two rare Irrawaddy dolphins near the river mouth, as well as a pod of bottlenose dolphins engaging in playful activities in the sea. Comprehensive data on the dolphin population in Astaranga’s marine areas will be finalized once the census is complete.

The ongoing efforts across these regions aim to enhance understanding and conservation of dolphin populations in Odisha’s coastal ecosystems.