Dolphins have been spotted in various rivers of Kailali district, including Tikapur Municipality and Bhajani Municipality, as water levels rise during the monsoon season. The dolphins, including adults and calves, have been seen in the Mohana, Patharaiya, Kanda, and Kandara rivers, which are tributaries of the Karnali River. According to Bijay Raj Shrestha, Secretary of the Dolphin Conservation Center, these dolphins, which migrate from rivers in India and Nepal, stay in these tributaries for over three months during the monsoon before returning to the Karnali River.
The abundance of fish, snails, and clean water, along with numerous confluences, attracts dolphins to these rivers each year. The species found here, Platanista gangetica, is unique to Nepal, India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
The sighting of dolphins has increased tourist activity in the area, with visitors from India, China, Thailand, Japan, and the United States coming to observe these majestic creatures. Conservationist Bhojraj Dhungana noted that dolphin sightings have become a significant draw for eco-tourism.
Several organizations, including WWF, UNDP, and the National Trust for Nature Conservation, are actively working on dolphin conservation in the region. Local municipalities and the Division Forest Office in Pahalmanpur are also involved in these efforts, and four dolphin festivals have been held to raise awareness.
Ram Bichari Thakur, Chief of the Division Forest Office in Pahalmanpur, emphasized the potential for further eco-tourism development through the study of dolphins and other wildlife. The Sudurpaschim Province Tourism Program Implementation Unit is planning to support tourism development by establishing homestays and residential facilities for visitors.
Dolphins were first sighted in the Karnali River in 2054 B.S. by local conservationist Bhojraj Shrestha, who has since dedicated himself to promoting and protecting these endangered species. Despite initial challenges, awareness and local participation in conservation efforts have grown significantly.
Interestingly, dolphins were also seen in December 2022, outside the typical monsoon season, when water levels in the Patharaiya River increased due to the Rani Jamara Kulariya Irrigation Project. Shrestha highlighted the potential for year-round dolphin viewing if water levels could be consistently raised, suggesting that planned efforts could further enhance the region’s tourism potential. He urged the government to implement its dolphin conservation action plan to ensure the long-term protection and promotion of this natural heritage.
