The Odisha Forest Department has initiated a comprehensive three-day census of the Irrawaddy dolphin population in Chilika Lake, starting today. This annual exercise aims to monitor and protect the dolphin species inhabiting Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon.
A total of 18 teams have been deployed across the lake’s southern, northern, and central zones. Each team comprises five to eight members, including forest department staff, wildlife officers, researchers, and students. Equipped with binoculars, GPS devices, and data sheets, the teams commenced the counting process at 6:00 AM, which will continue until 12:00 noon each day.
To ensure accurate data collection, the Chilika Wildlife Division has requested the cooperation of local boat associations to suspend operations during the census hours. This measure aims to minimize disturbances to the dolphins and facilitate precise counting.
In the 2023 census, Chilika Lake was home to 173 dolphins, comprising 154 Irrawaddy and 19 bottlenose dolphins. The current census will provide updated insights into the population dynamics of these species, informing future conservation strategies.
Chilika Lake is renowned for hosting the world’s largest population of Irrawaddy dolphins. The data collected from this census will be instrumental in shaping conservation policies and ensuring the continued protection of this vulnerable species.
