Study records 54 dolphins in Kailali rivers this year

Dhangadhi: A total of 54 dolphins have been recorded in the rivers of Kailali this year, according to a study conducted by the National Trust for Nature Conservation, Bardiya, in collaboration with Dolphin, Aquatic and Biodiversity Conservation Nepal.

During the survey, 15 dolphins were observed in the morning and eight in the evening. The study was carried out during the dolphin observation season last Bhadra in the Tikapur and Bhajani areas of the Mohana and Patharaiya rivers in Kailali. Ajit Tumbahamphe, head of the trust’s Bardiya office, said the study was conducted in a systematic and scientific manner with the participation of the local community following training.

Tumbahamphe said the observations were carried out in the morning and evening using GPS technology. He explained that the Gangetic dolphin, a rare species globally, enters the rivers of Kailali during the monsoon season and returns to lower coastal areas as the water level recedes.

Previously, studies by local conservationists had recorded up to 68 dolphins in Kailali. Compared to those findings, fewer dolphins were recorded this year, Tumbahamphe said, adding that regular annual studies will now be conducted in the Mohana and Patharaiya rivers.

The trust stated that local-level efforts for dolphin conservation have been encouraging. Tumbahamphe noted that conservation outcomes could further improve if riverbed excavation is halted and proper waste management is ensured.

The trust also clarified that the upper reaches of the Mohana River, including areas in Kailari Rural Municipality and Dhangadhi Sub-metropolitan City, were not included in the study. However, local residents have reported that dolphins reach Phulbari in Dhangadhi Sub-metropolitan City during the monsoon. In the past, dolphins have also been sighted in the Mohana River near the bridge at Trinagar Customs, according to dolphin conservationist Bijayraj Shrestha.

Observations were conducted at various locations where dolphins are known to appear. Bhojraj Dhungana, chairman of Dolphin, Aquatic and Biodiversity Conservation Nepal, said more dolphin calves were recorded this year compared to last year.

According to Dhungana, the overall number of dolphins is slightly lower than in previous years. In 2078 BS, 62 dolphins were recorded, followed by 68 in 2079 BS, while 50 were recorded last year. Dolphin, Aquatic and Biodiversity Conservation Nepal has been conducting local-level dolphin counts for several years.