Irrawaddy Dolphins in the Chilika Lake | 20 Jan 2020

During the Dolphin Census in Chilika lake, direct sighting of 146 Irrawaddy dolphins has been reported.

The Census is being carried out using Hydrophone monitoring technique. A hydrophone is a microphone designed to be used underwater for recording or listening to underwater sound.

Irrawaddy dolphins (Orcaella brevirostris) are found in coastal areas in South and Southeast Asia, and in three rivers: the Irrawaddy (Myanmar), the Mahakam (Indonesian Borneo) and the Mekong (China).
They are ‘Endangered’ as per the IUCN Red List.
The total population of these aquatic mammals in the world is estimated to be less than 7,500.
- More than 6,000 Irrawaddy dolphins have been reported from Bangladesh.
- Dolphin distribution in Chilika is considered to be the highest single lagoon population.

Chilika is Asia's largest and world's second-largest lagoon.
It lies on the east coast of India in the state of Odisha, separated from the mighty Bay of Bengal by a small strip of sand.
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.
The major attraction at Chilika is Irrawaddy dolphins which are often spotted off Satpada Island.
The large Nalabana Island (Forest of Reeds) covering about 16 sq km in the lagoon area was declared a bird sanctuary in 1987.
Kalijai Temple is located on an island in the Chilika Lake.