Brahmagiri: The Odisha Forest Department has commenced the census of the rare species of Irrawaddy dolphin in Chilika on Monday. A total of 18 teams have joined the census in the three zones – Southern, Northern and Central in the Chilika. Each team comprises members.
Last year, 158 dolphins were found during the census in Chilika.
Irrawaddy dolphins are found in a handful of countries in the world and the highest number of dolphins is found in Chilika.
The Forest Department, CDA, volunteers, dolphin experts, students and motor boat association employees have participated today’s census. A training programme was held at Satapada CDA in this regard on Sunday.
The census is being conducted in Satpada, Balugaon, Tangi, Krishnaprasad and Rambha ranges. Eight teams are counting in Satpada range while 10 teams are counting in other ranges. The census starts at 6.00 am and continues till 12.00 noon.
The counting will take place over three days. During the counting, the bus and boat traffic will be closed in Chilika from 6.00 am to 12.00 noon.
