Dolphin Census In Odisha’s Gahirmatha & Bhitarkanika To Start From Tomorrow

Bhubaneswar: The Forest officials will begin dolphin census in Gahirmatha marine sanctuary and water sources in Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha’s Kendrapada district from Monday.

According to sources, several teams of Forest officials, assisted by Wildlife experts, will scout the marine sanctuary and water bodies in Bhitarkanika to count the dolphins. The census will continue for three days till January 29.

According to forest ranger, Rajnagar, they will start the exercise from Dhamra river mouth upto Devi river mouth and also visit canals and rivers flowing through Bhitarkanika. While sighting would be primary method for census, binoculars, GPS, camera, handicams and other equipment will also be used for the purpose, he added.

Five different species of dolphins including Irrawady, Bottle Nose, Hump Back, Finless Porpoise and Gangetic dolphins have been sighted in Bhitarkanika.

As per 2023 census, 550 dolphins, including six Irrawaddy, 281 bottlenose, 208 humpback, 52 striped and three spinner species were found in the park. The dolphin census is conducted in Bhitarkanika for the last five years.

It may be noted that dolphin census was conducted in Chilika lagoon from January 20 to 22.