Bhubaneswar: The annual dolphin census of began in Chilika lake, Bhitarkanika National Park and Gahirmatha marine sanctuary areas in the state on Sunday.
The headcount of the marine creature will continue till January 22, the forest department said.
In Chilika, the counting has started at 6 am today. As many as 18 teams having eight to ten members in each team have been engaged in the census.
Counting is being conducted using videography, photography, binoculars and GPS tracking.
The Forest Department, Chilika Development Authority, Motor Boat Association, dolphin experts and volunteers have been imparted training on the headcount of the mammals.
Each team is equipped with binoculars, GPS set, rangefinder and data recording sheets for a foolproof headcount of these aquatic mammals.
Chilika, the largest brackish water lake is home to various species including Irrawaddy, Bottlenose, Humpback, Striped, Finless and Spinner Dolphins.
Similarly, nine teams have been mobilized for the headcount of the dolphins in Gahiramatha marine sanctuary in Kendrapara district. Each team consists of three to five members.
The Bhitarkanika National Park and Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary recorded a massive jump in dolphin population while Chilika recorded a drop in dolphin’ numbers last time.
