.gif)
The annual dolphin census has officially begun today in the Saptakoshi River, which flows through the Koshi Wildlife Reserve. This marks the third consecutive year of the survey, which started in 2022, according to Bhupendra Prasad Yadav, Senior Conservation Officer at the Reserve.
The census is being conducted with technical support from the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) Koshi Province Office, and Himalayan Nature, a Kathmandu-based conservation organization.
Dolphins-highly intelligent and sensitive aquatic mammals, prefer clean, deep river waters. In the Koshi region, they are typically found between Ganga Sagar and the main Koshi River stretch.
This year’s survey will span four days and employ two different census methodologies to ensure accuracy. Historical data shows a gradual increase in dolphin numbers in the river: 11 dolphins were recorded in 2012, followed by 17 in 2017. The growing numbers have encouraged the Reserve to intensify its conservation efforts.
The most recent census, conducted in 2024, recorded 19 dolphins. Conservationists are hopeful that the number will rise again this year. “We expect to see an increase in dolphin population this time,” said Birendra Gautam, Coordinator at NTNC's Koshi Province Office.
.jpeg)
.gif)
