India, Feb. 11 -- Odisha has recorded the highest marine dolphin numbers in the past five years, and their population is estimated to be at 765 (individuals of different species), according to the latest estimation of dolphins and other cetaceans in the state.

The latest state-wide census was conducted by the Wildlife Wing of the Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department, Government of Odisha, on 20 January 2026. The 765 dolphins included 497 Humpback dolphins, followed by Irrawaddy (208), Bottlenose (55), Spinner dolphin (3) and finless porpoise (2).

The population of dolphins in Odisha was estimated at 544 in 2020-21. This included 209 Irrawaddy dolphins. There were 726 dolphins (208 Irrawaddy) in 2021-22, 733 (69 Irrawaddy) i...