Odisha is home to a total of 710 dolphins, with the highest concentration found in the Rajnagar forest division, which falls within the Kendrapara district. This region includes the well-known Bhitarkanika and Gahirmatha wildlife sanctuaries, both of which serve as crucial habitats for marine and aquatic life. These areas have emerged as the primary hotspots for dolphin populations in the state, attracting the attention of researchers, conservationists, and wildlife enthusiasts.
Following closely behind is the famous Chilika Lake, a vast brackish water lagoon that spans across three prominent districts of Odisha: Puri, Khurda, and Ganjam. Chilika Lake, known for its rich biodiversity, also plays a significant role in providing a suitable habitat for various species of dolphins.
During the recent dolphin census conducted in the Rajnagar forest division, four different species of dolphins were identified: Irrawaddy dolphins, Bottlenose dolphins, Humpback dolphins, and Spinner dolphins. On the other hand, in the Chilika wildlife division, only two species of dolphins were observed: Irrawaddy dolphins and Humpback dolphins.
According to the latest census data, out of the total 710 dolphins recorded in Odisha, 188 belong to the Irrawaddy species, 16 are Bottlenose dolphins, 498 are Humpback dolphins, and eight are Spinner dolphins. These figures provide valuable insights into the distribution and population trends of these magnificent marine mammals across various water bodies in the state.
The census report revealed that the Rajnagar forest division, which includes the Bhitarkanika and Gahirmatha sanctuaries, reported the highest number of dolphins, with a total of 505 individuals documented during the survey. Notably, this figure represents a slight increase in the dolphin population, with three more individuals recorded compared to previous counts.
Gahirmatha, in particular, is a significant ecological site as it not only supports a thriving dolphin population but also serves as an essential breeding ground for Olive Ridley sea turtles. This year, over six lakh Olive Ridley turtles have successfully laid their eggs along the coastline and subsequently returned to the sea, highlighting the region’s ecological importance.
Within the Rajnagar forest division, the latest census found 22 Irrawaddy dolphins, five Bottlenose dolphins, 470 Humpback dolphins, and eight Spinner dolphins. These numbers underscore the diversity of dolphin species that inhabit the region. The detailed census report was made publicly available on Tuesday, providing comprehensive data on the distribution of dolphin populations in Odisha.
Similarly, Chilika Lake, another crucial habitat for dolphins in Odisha, recorded a total of 174 dolphins during the survey. Among these, 159 were identified as Irrawaddy dolphins, while the remaining 15 belonged to the Humpback species. Within Chilika, dolphins are primarily observed in the Satpada region, an area known for its rich aquatic biodiversity and favorable conditions for marine species.
An official from the wildlife department stated, “Earlier, Irrawaddy dolphins were found only in Chilika Lake, but now they have been noticed in many other water bodies across the state, indicating a positive shift in their habitat range.” This observation suggests a possible expansion of the Irrawaddy dolphin population to new locations within Odisha.
The statewide dolphin census was conducted in January 2025, covering multiple water bodies with a specific focus on key locations such as Chilika Lake and the Rajnagar forest division. This survey aimed to assess the status, distribution, and population dynamics of dolphins in Odisha’s aquatic ecosystems.
Apart from the two primary dolphin hotspots, the census also documented dolphin populations in other regions of the state. In the Balasore wildlife division, seven Irrawaddy dolphins were recorded. Additionally, Berhampur reported the presence of 13 Humpback dolphins, while Bhadrak wildlife division documented four Bottlenose dolphins. Furthermore, the Puri Wildlife Division accounted for seven Bottlenose dolphins.
The results of the census provide crucial insights into Odisha’s diverse marine biodiversity and the need for continued conservation efforts to protect these remarkable marine mammals. The presence of dolphins in various parts of the state highlights the ecological richness of Odisha’s water bodies and the importance of preserving their natural habitats for future generations.
