Irrawaddy dolphin found dead in Chilika Lake. This is the 8th dolphin death in Odisha in 8 months.

About Irrawaddy Dolphins:

=> Irrawaddy dolphins fall under Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and mentioned in the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Endangered Species.

=> Found in coastal areas in South and Southeast Asia, and in three rivers: the Irrawaddy (Myanmar), the Mahakam (Indonesian Borneo) and the Mekong (China).

=> The concentrated lagoon populations are found in Chilika Lake in Odisha, and Songkhla Lake in southern Thailand.

About Chilika Lake:

=> Chilika is Asia’s largest and world’s second largest lagoon.

=> It is the largest wintering ground for migratory birds on the Indian sub-continent and is home to a number of threatened species of plants and animals.

=> In 1981, Chilika Lake was designated the first Indian wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.

=> Major attraction at Chilika is Irrawaddy dolphins which are often spotted off Satpada Island.

=> The large Nalabana Island (Forest of Reeds) covering about 16 sq km in the lagoon area was declared a bird sanctuary in 1987.

=> Kalijai Temple – Located on an island in the Chilika Lake.