Dolphin Population in Odisha
Why in News?
Recently, Odisha has released the final data on the dolphin census, indicating a spectacular growth in numbers.
Census Data:
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
Chilika Lake
- Chilika is Asia’s largest and world’s second largest lagoon.
- It spreads over Puri, Khurda and Ganjam districts of Odisha on the east coast of India, at the mouth of the Daya River, flowing into the Bay of Bengal.
- It is the largest wintering ground for migratory birds on the Indian sub-continent and is home to a number of threatened species of plants and animals.
- In 1981, Chilika Lake was designated the first Indian wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.
- Major attraction at Chilika is Irrawaddy dolphins which are often spotted off Satapada Island.
- The large Nalabana Island (Forest of Reeds) covering about 16sq. km in the lagoon area was declared a bird sanctuary in 1987.
- Kalijai Temple – Located on an island in the Chilika Lake.