Crisis and Conservation: Safeguarding the Endangered Irrawaddy Dolphins of Chilika Lagoon
In environments where human activities have significantly altered the natural landscape, wildlife faces a multitude of challenges, necessitating a thorough understanding of the responsible factors in order to advance conservation efforts. A recent research paper authored by Acharyya, T., et.al., (2023) offers valuable insights centered around the Irrawaddy Dolphins ( Oracella brevirostris ), an endangered species inhabiting the Chilika lagoon located on the eastern seaboard of India. Through a comprehensive synthesis of existing knowledge, the article highlights the identified threats to these dolphins arising from both climate change and human activities, while also proposing a conservation roadmap aimed at safeguarding their survival within the Chilika ecosystem. Presently, the population of Irrawaddy Dolphins in Chilika faces a grave endangerment, with only a meager count of a few hundred individuals remaining. Although protected under the Indian Wildlife Protection Act...