IRRAWADDY DOLPHINS

Jan. 20, 2020

Odisha Forest Department officials sighted 146 endangered Irrawaddy dolphins in Chilika Lake, which boasts of the highest single lagoon population of the aquatic mammal in the world.

About:

Scientific name: Orcaella Brevirostris.
These dolphins have a bulging forehead, SHORT BEAK, and 12-19 teeth on each side of both jaws. They pop out their head out of the water to breathe, followed by its back; the tail is rarely seen.
Habitats: Lakes, Rivers, Estuaries, and Coasts.
Regions where they are found: Coastal areas in South and Southeast Asia, and in three river namely The Irrawaddy (Myanmar), the Mahakam (Indonesian Borneo) and the Mekong.
Population: The total population of these animals in the world is estimated to be less than 7,500. Of these, the highest — 6,400 — was reported from Bangladesh. The population in Chilika is considered to be the highest single lagoonal population.
Threat: Dolphins had been under stress in Chilika due to unregulated boating by tourists as well as illegal prawn enclosures.
IUCN Status: Endangered.