Dolphins reappear in Kailali rivers

BY OUR CORRESPONDENT,  Dhangadhi, June 25: Rare dolphins have started appearing in the rivers of Kailali after the increase in the water level. Dolphins have been sighted in the Mohana, Patharaiya, and other rivers. 

With the onset of the monsoon, the water level in the rivers has risen. Dolphin conservationist Bhojraj Dhungana said that dolphins started appearing from Monday evening after the river's water level rose.

According to Dhungana, four dolphins, including a calf, have been spotted in the dolphin conservation area. 

Dolphins appear in this area only during the monsoon season. At other times, they return to the lower coastal areas of the Karnali River in search of deeper waters. Dolphins are found in the Karnali throughout the year.

Dhungana stated that as the water level in the rivers rises, dolphins from the Karnali tend to enter the tributaries. Recalling that dolphins had arrived in the first week of Asar (mid-June) last year, he added, “This year, since the rains came late, the dolphins arrived a bit later too.”

As the season begins, domestic and foreign tourists visit Kailali every year to observe dolphins. The National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1973 has listed dolphins as protected wildlife.