The first-ever headcount operation of these marine animals, conducted recently, has come out with sighting of 270 dolphins. Significantly, the census figure found more dolphins inhabiting in Gahirmatha under Bhitarkanika national park than the Chilika lake, an internationally acclaimed Ramsar wetland site. The Chilika houses 144 Irrawaddy dolphins – which is on much lower side in comparison to sightings made in Gahirmatha, said officer of the Rajnagar mangrove (wildlife) forest division Bimal Prasana Acharya.