Chilika: As per the latest 5th Flora and Fauna survey in Chilika, situated in Odisha, the Dolphin population in the Chilika lake was 155 to 165 in 2022. As per reports, 156 Dolphins were directly sighted during the monitoring and the range inferred from the yearlong monitoring by the Chilika Development Authority (CDA).
Statistics
Last year the Dolphin population in Chilika was 162 as per the survey done last year. Here are the numbers of Dolphin population in Chilika in the last few years: 2013-152, 2014-158, 2015-160, 2016-145, 2017-121, 2018-155, 2019-150 and 2020-156.
Method of survey
The annual population estimation survey of the Irrawaddy dolphin has been conducted by CDA since 2003. The annual survey was conducted by the “Transact Survey Method” followed worldwide for a population of aquatic mammals. Each survey team was equipped with binoculars, GPS, Range finder and data recording sheets, etc. This year there was a total sighting of 156 nos. Good amount of sighting was observed in Rambha Bay area along with the Outer Channel. The Dolphins are colonizing new areas of Chilika Lagoon and this gives a hope for this endangered mammal. The movement has been facilitated by clearing of Gherries at places.
Chilika
Chilika is the largest lake along the east coast of India, situated between latitude 190 28’ and 190 54’ N and longitude 850 05’ and 850 38’ E. The Lake is a unique assemblage of marine, brackish and freshwater eco-system with estuarine characters.
Chilika shelters a number of endangered species
Chilika is one of the hotspots of biodiversity and shelters a number of endangered species listed in the IUCN red list of threatened species. The lake is an avian grandeur and the wintering ground for more than one million migratory birds and is a Ramsar site. The highly productive eco-system of the lake with its rich fishery resources sustains the livelihood of more than 0.20 million fisher folk who live in and around the Lake. Some of them live at the subsistence level.
Survey
To understand the ecosystem, different parameters were monitored to help in the management of the lake on 1st February. The annual monitoring was done by 28 teams comprising of nearly 120 personnel from morning 6 to 12 noon consisting of Officials of CDA and Government officials.
Observation of Irrawaddy dolphins in Chilika Lake
Irrawaddy dolphin is the flagship species inhabiting Chilika Lake. The present distribution range of this species is only in Asia, from Chilika to Indonesia. Irrawaddy dolphins in India are protected under Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972.
Status of Water Bird
Chilika Wetland is home to a variety of waterbirds. They were monitored along with other aquatic fauna, during the Fifth Annual Flora & Fauna Survey 2022. There were a total of 10.5 lakhs of waterbirds reported, representing 105 different species. This compares favourably with the waterbird census conducted by Chilika Wildlife Division during 1st week, which had reported 10,36,220 birds of 103 species.
Nalabana sanctuary itself reported 2,86,929 individuals representing 75 species. The most common migratory ducks found in Chilika were Northern Pintail, Gadwall and Eurasian Wigeons, each being more than 1.5 Lakhs.
The mud flats of Nalabana and other regions of Chilika are now exposed as a result of the significant drop in water level, and is habitat to more than 1.2 lakhs of waders or shorebirds such as the Black-tailed Godwit, Little Stint, Ruff, Curlew Sandpiper, and Lesser Sandplover etc compared to the census on 04.01.2022.
More than two thousand Greater Flamingos have been reported from Nalabana, the most beautiful waterbird of Chilika lagoon. However, among other notable sightings, more than a thousand Near Threatened Ferruginous Ducks were observed for the first time from the lagoon. In addition, two uncommon species, the Red-necked Stint and the Woolly-necked Stork, were spotted in the marshland of Parikud and Mangalajodi, respectively.
Status of Eurasian Otter (Lutra lutra)
The Eurasian Otter are carnivorous predators. Otters usually consume small fish while they are in the water, while the large fish is eaten onshore. This year the survey observed for the first time a group of Eurasian Otter, near the bird’s island in the southern sector of Chilika Lake. This species has also been camera trapped during fishing cat estimation.
Findings on the Seagrasses in Chilika Lake
During the monitoring of Chilika Lake on 1st February 2022, five species of seagrasses were reported. Seagrass species such as Holodule uninervis, Holodule pinifolia, Halophila ovalis, Halophila ovata, and Halophila beccarii were recorded during the survey. This occurs over an area of 172 sq. km, an increase from 169 sq. km. of last year. These Ecosystems have brought cheers against the declining trend throughout the world and now Chilika has 33% of India’s seagrass area. This acts as a Carbon Sink and facilitates in climate resilience of the Chilika eco-system.
Net Gherry in Chilika
During Pandemic few net gherries have been reconstructed, though in a smaller quantity. The respective district administration has been intimated of the exact status and location for the necessary action as the matter is subjudice before the High Court of Odisha. The District Administration are pro-actively evicting the same as and when brought to the noticed.
Ms Kalinga