Bhubaneswar, March 30: Odisha has reported a remarkable rise in the number of migratory marine species this year, setting new records in the state’s wildlife numbers. Compared to last year, there has been a fivefold increase in the arrival of these species, drawing attention and excitement from environmentalists and wildlife conservationists.
According to the Odisha Forest and Environment Department, the state saw 3.5 lakh Olive Ridley turtles in 2020-21, which increased to 10.51 lakh in 2021-22 and 11.49 lakh in 2022-23. This year, the numbers have surged significantly with 6 lakh 7 thousand turtles arriving at Gahirmatha, 6.99 lakh at Rushikulya, and 2.05 lakh in other coastal regions.
The saltwater crocodile population has also grown. In 2020-21, there were 1,830 saltwater crocodiles recorded at Bhitarkanika, and by 2022-23, the number rose to 1,831. This year, the population has reached 1,881.
Chilika Lake, another vital ecosystem in the state, is home to 159 Irrawaddy dolphins this year, with a total of 710 dolphins across various regions of Odisha. This includes 188 Irrawaddy dolphins, 16 bottle-nosed dolphins, 498 humpback dolphins, and 8 spinner dolphins.
These increases reflect the success of Odisha’s conservation programs and highlight the state’s importance as a key destination for migratory marine species. The growing numbers demonstrate the positive impact of the region’s efforts to protect its coastal and marine biodiversity.
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