Boats

Tourists visiting the Chilika Lake may soon miss the sight of the rare Irrawaddy dolphins that are in peril owing to the threat posed by unregulated operation of a large number of mechanized boats and ferries carrying tourists to the lake. At least 10 dolphins are reportedly killed every year after being injured by the propeller blades of fishing boats.

Orissa is the natural habitat of the Irrawady dolphin (Orcealla brevirostris), which has a low breeding rate. With a gestation period of nine months, it produces only one offspring in three years, experts said.

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Picture of baby dolphins.
Picture of a swimmer standing on two dolphins