Odisha Dolphin Census 2026: 765 Dolphins Recorded
Why in the news
Odisha’s 2026 state-wide census counted 765 marine dolphins, suggesting conservation is paying off.
Key facts
| Species | Count |
|---|---|
| Humpback | 497 |
| Irrawaddy | 208 |
| Bottlenose | 55 |
| Spinner | 3 |
| Finless porpoise | 2 |
- Chilika Lake: 159 Irrawaddy dolphins, the biggest known single-site group worldwide.
- Gahirmatha: 474 humpbacks.
- Trend: stable or improving through habitat protection and community-based work.
About dolphins
- Aquatic mammals of order Cetacea.
- Irrawaddy dolphin: Endangered (IUCN).
- Covered by Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
Exam angle
- The Wildlife Wing of Odisha’s forest department runs the annual survey using boat and shore methods.