The population of dolphins in Odisha has increased to 733, revealed an annual dolphin census report on Thursday.
Gahirmatha and Bhitarkanika off the Kendrapada coast emerged as two ideal habitats for dolphins with an impressive rise of 75% of the population this year with 550 of the total aquatic mammals.
The census was conducted from December 21 to 23 last in the Bhitarkanika National Park and the Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary. Total nine teams led by DFO Sudarshan Gopinath Yadav and comprising wildlife experts carried out the headcount.
Of the total 733 dolphins, 544 were sighted at Gahirmatha, four at Kanika Range and two at Rajanagar Range.
The dolphin census is conducted every year in January. In view of interruption in conducting exercise due to fog and adverse weather in the month of January in past years, the State Government decided to carry out the exercise a month earlier this time.
Earlier, the dolphin census was being conducted only in the Chilika lake in the State. The dolphins are being counted at various sites in Bhitarkanika, Puri, Ganjam, Bhadrak, Baleswar and Mayurbhanj since 2015.
Last year, 726 dolphins were spotted in Odisha, of which 540 were in Gahirmatha and Bhitarkanika.