Dolphin census begins in Saptakoshi River

Kathmandu: The dolphin census has officially begun in the Saptakoshi River, a part of the Koshi Wildlife Reserve.

According to Bhupendra Prasad Yadav, Senior Conservation Officer at the Reserve, the annual census has been conducted since 2022.  The initiative is being technically supported by the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC-Koshi Province Office) and the Kathmandu-based Himalayan Nature.

Dolphins, considered highly intelligent marine mammals, prefer to inhabit clean and deep waters. According to the Reserve, these mammals are found from Ganga Sagar to the Koshi River. The census will be conducted over four days using two different survey methods.

In 2012, 11 dolphins were recorded in the Saptakoshi River, and the number rose to 17 in 2017, prompting the Reserve to prioritize dolphin conservation efforts.

NTNC Koshi Province Coordinator Birendra Gautam said the most recent census in 2024 recorded 19 dolphins, and the number is expected to increase this year.

RSS