Dolphin Population Drops to 493 in Bhitarkanika and Gahirmatha

Bhubaneswar: The dolphin population in Odisha’s Bhitarkanika National Park and Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary has declined by 11 this year, with 493 dolphins counted during the latest census compared to 504 recorded last year.

The three-day census, conducted by the state forest department, covered a wide stretch from the Dhamra estuary to the Debi estuary, including rivers, creeks, and adjoining coastal areas.

According to officials, five species of dolphins were recorded during the survey — Irrawaddy, Bottlenose, Humpback, Finless, and Gangetic dolphins. Humpback dolphins were spotted in comparatively higher numbers near Babubali and Habalikhati.

The inclusion of Bhitarkanika in the dolphin census since 2015 marked a shift from the earlier practice when dolphin counting was primarily focused on Chilika Lake.

Although the decline in numbers is marginal, it has raised concerns regarding conservation efforts and habitat protection in the region. Forest officials said further assessment would be undertaken to analyse the reasons behind the dip and to strengthen conservation strategies.