Bhubaneswar: Odisha Forest Department is all set to launch the three-day dolphin census in the Gahirmatha marine sanctuary and several water sources in the Bhitarkanika National Park in Kendrapada district today.
Several teams of the Forest Department along with Wildlife experts will participate in counting the dolphins. The census will continue till January 29.
Rajnagar Forest Ranger said the census will commence from Dhamra river mouth up to Devi river mouth and the census will also be undertaken in the canals and rivers flowing through Bhitarkanika. Sighting would be primary method for census, while binoculars, GPS, camera, handicams and other equipment will also be used for the purpose.
Five different species of dolphins including Irrawady, Bottle Nose, Hump Back, Finless Porpoise and Gangetic dolphins have been sighted in Bhitarkanika.
As per 2023 census, 550 dolphins, including six Irrawaddy, 281 bottlenose, 208 humpback, 52 striped and three spinner species were found in the park. The dolphin census is conducted in Bhitarkanika for the last five years.
