Final Data On The Dolphin Census:
Odisha has released the final data on the dolphin census, indicating a spectacular growth in numbers.
- The population of dolphins in Chilika, India’s largest brackish water lake, and along the Odisha coast has doubled this year (2021) compared with last year.
- Three species were recorded during the census, with 544 Irrawaddy, bottle-nose and humpback dolphins sighted this year, compared with 233 last year.
- The rise in the Irrawaddy dolphin population in Chilika can be attributed to the eviction of illegal fish enclosures.
About Irrawaddy Dolphins:
- Habitat: Irrawaddy dolphins are found in coastal areas in South and Southeast Asia, and in three rivers: the Ayeyarwady (Myanmar), the Mahakam (Indonesian Borneo) and the Mekong.
- The Mekong River Irrawaddy dolphins inhabit a 118-mile stretch of the river between Cambodia and Lao PDR.
- Conservation Status:
- IUCN Red List: Endangered
- CITES: Appendix I
- CMS (Convention on Migratory Species): Appendix I
- Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
About Indo- Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins:
- Habitat: Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins generally occur in shallow coastal waters of the Indian Ocean, Southeast Asia and Australia.
- Conservation Status:
- IUCN Red List: Near Threatened
- CITES: Appendix II
About Indian Ocean Humpback Dolphins:
- Habitat: The Indian Ocean Humpback Dolphin occurs within the Indian Ocean from South Africa to India.
- Conservation Status:
- IUCN Red List: Endangered
- CITES: Appendix I
- Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
