The annual dolphin census commenced at Odisha’s iconic Chilika Lake on Monday, with over 100 participants, including retired government officials, researchers, students, and experts, joining the initiative.

The census is being conducted by the Chilika Wildlife Division in collaboration with the Chilika Development Authority to monitor the population and habitat conditions of dolphins in the lake.

Chilika Lake, Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon, is home to the endangered Irrawaddy dolphins, making this census a critical effort for their conservation. The exercise involves a detailed survey of the lake’s vast expanse to assess the dolphin population and its ecological health.

Officials stated that the data collected will aid in devising strategies for dolphin conservation and habitat management while also contributing to ongoing research on the species.

The dolphin census is a key event in Odisha’s wildlife calendar, attracting significant attention from environmentalists and wildlife enthusiasts across the country.