A large number of endangered Irrawaddy dolphins have been sighted in new areas of the Chilika lake, according to officials. The total number dolphins counted in the annual census on Sunday was 146, said Chilika Development Authority Chief Executive Officer Susant Nanda.
He said the good news is that dolphins are now sighted in new areas like the central and southern sectors of the lake, which is spread over 1,165 sqkm in three districts of Khordha, Puri and Ganjam.
“The areas near Kalijai Island and Rambha are the new places where dolphins have been sighted for the first time. Earlier, they were mostly confined to the Satpada area near Brahmagiri,” Nanda said, adding that the dolphin population in the lake is now stabilising above 150 as expected. Last year’s census showed that there were 151 dolphins.
“We are also optimistic about an increase in dolphin population in the lake in next couple of years,” Nanda said, adding that there is enough sign of dolphins migrating from the Satpada side to other areas within the lagoon.
Apart from Satpada, dolphins have this time been spotted in five other places, three around Kalijai Island within the lake and two close to Samal, he said. Wildlife experts opine that the dolphin sighting in new areas is possible due to clearing of prawn gheries from within the lake.
Apart from the annual census, the CDA also undertakes dolphin counting by using hydrophones. In the hydrophone method, a microphone is used to record or listen to underwater sound. This method of counting has indicated that the highest 20 to 25 number of dolphins are found near Rajhans Island followed by Magarmukh and Malatikuda, 17 to 20 each.