Population of endangered dolphin specie rises

The population of rare Irrawaddy dolphins in Chilika lake, Asia's largest brackish water lagoon, has gone up to 130, an increase of 19 compared to previous year.''From the analysis of data of different sectors, the range of population in different sectors are observed to be over 130,'' chief executive officer of Chilika Development Authority (CDA) Ajit Pattnaik said.He said the outcome of the census conducted in the lagoon through direct count method on February 13 and 14 was encouraging since the population had risen by 19.While the population of dolphins was 125 in 2004, it came down to 111 in 2005 following death a few dolphins.As per CDA's census report, around 66 to 69 dolphins were sighted in the outer channel of the lagoon.The southern sector recorded a healthy population between 35 to 42 while in the central sector dolphins between 28 and 33 could be sighted.The CDA had divided the lagoon into four sectors -- southern, central, northern and outer channel.The survey, which commenced from 6.30 am and continued up to 12.30 pm, was carried out by senior research officials of Chief Wildlife Warden Office, Wildlife Institute of India, NGOs and CDA scientists.