Bhubaneswar, Jan 20: The annual dolphin census kicked off on Sunday in Chilika Lake, Bhitarkanika National Park, and the Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary areas of the state. The headcount of these marine creatures will continue until January 22, according to the forest department.

In Chilika, the counting began at 6 am today, with 18 teams, each comprising eight to ten members, engaged in the census. Various tools such as videography, photography, binoculars, and GPS tracking are being utilized for the counting process.

The Forest Department, Chilika Development Authority, Motor Boat Association, dolphin experts, and volunteers have received training for the headcount of these mammals. Each team is equipped with binoculars, GPS sets, rangefinders, and data recording sheets to ensure an accurate count of these aquatic mammals.

Chilika, the largest brackish water lake, is home to various dolphin species, including Irrawaddy, Bottlenose, Humpback, Striped, Finless, and Spinner Dolphins.

Similarly, nine teams have been mobilized for the dolphin headcount in the Gahiramatha Marine Sanctuary in Kendrapara district, with each team consisting of three to five members.

The Bhitarkanika National Park and Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary had witnessed a significant increase in the dolphin population during the last count, whereas Chilika recorded a decline in dolphin numbers.

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