Number of dolphins goes up in Saptakoshi River

Itahari (Sunsari), June 6: The number of dolphins in the Saptakoshi River, the part of Koshi Wildlife Reserve, has increased this year. 

The census of the aquatic mammal was conducted for four days (June 1-4) and the findings were unveiled on Thursday, June 5, on the occasion of the World Environment Day. 

This year, the number increased by three compared to the previous year, it has been said. 

According to Reserve senior conservation officer Bhupendra Prasad Yadav, the latest census puts the number of adult dolphins at 15, of semi-adult at five and two baby dolphins, a total of 22. The rise in the number of the animal is itself a positive message in its conservation, it is said. 

The Saptakoshi River is home to Gangetic dolphin which is considered the rare species of dolphin.  

Dolphin is a highly intelligent marine mammal and prefers to inhabit clean and deep waters. 

In 2012, eleven dolphins were recorded in the Saptakoshi River, and the number rose to 17 in 2017, prompting the Reserve to prioritize dolphin conservation efforts.

The previous recent census in 2024 recorded 19 dolphins in the country's biggest river.   (RSS)