Bryde’s Whale Skeleton: Odisha’s Conservation Milestone
Odisha Forest Department’s initiative to preserve a 25-foot Bryde’s whale skeleton in Bhitarkanika National Park highlights marine mammal protection amid frequent strandings along the Bay of Bengal coast.
Static Facts to Memorize
- Bryde’s Whale (Balaenoptera edeni): Medium rorqual whale, females 12-14m long, up to 15 tonnes; three ridges on rostrum distinguish from sei whale; gulp-feeds on krill, fish in coastal waters.
- IUCN Red List: Least Concern globally (pop. ~100,000-200,000); threats include ship strikes, bycatch; Appendix II under CMS and CITES.
- Bhitarkanika National Park: 672 km² (core 145 km²) mangrove ecosystem in Odisha; Ramsar site (2001); India’s 2nd largest mangrove after Sundarbans; hosts 1,700+ saltwater crocodiles, migratory birds, olive ridley turtles.
- Odisha Marine Record: 7th Bryde’s whale stranding in 6 years; 18 total whale events (2016-2020), 61% Bryde’s, mostly post-monsoon juveniles, indicating regional feeding grounds.
Scholarly Perspectives
Studies confirm Odisha’s north-western Bay of Bengal as prime Bryde’s feeding zone due to seasonal prey blooms; scholars urge acoustic monitoring and fishery regulations.Wildlife biologist Siba Prasad Parida, with 14 years mounting 5 whale skeletons across states, emphasizes necropsy for collision/pollution data; environmentalist Sudhanshu Parida calls for dedicated museum hall to boost eco-tourism.
Critical Updates
Found January 24, 2026, at Devi River mouth (Kujang range); female carcass showed ship-hit scars, entanglements; buried for skeleton preservation; excavate after 2 months for Dangamal Natural History Museum display; DNA/bone/skin samples to ZSI Kolkata for genetics, pollution analysis.
Prelims Questions with Model Answers
Q1: The skeleton of a Bryde’s whale recently found in Odisha will be preserved at which location?
(a) Simlipal Tiger Reserve
(b) Bhitarkanika National Park
(c) Chilika Lake
(d) Nandankanan Zoo
Answer: (b)
Q2: What is the IUCN status of Bryde’s whale?
Answer: Least Concern
Q3: Bhitarkanika is designated as a Ramsar site primarily for:
(a) Coral reefs
(b) Mangroves
(c) Deserts
(d) Alpine meadows
Answer: (b) Mangroves
Mains Questions with Model Answers
Q1 (150 words): Examine the ecological significance of Bhitarkanika National Park in conserving marine biodiversity, referencing recent cetacean strandings.
Model Answer: Bhitarkanika, Odisha’s Ramsar mangrove wetland, buffers estuarine-marine interface, nurturing crocs (1,700+), turtles, and cetaceans like Bryde’s whales via prey-rich habitats. Recent 25-ft whale stranding (Jan 2026) evidences feeding grounds, but ship strikes threaten; preservation efforts educate on anthropogenic risks. Enhances Blue Economy via eco-tourism; needs integrated monitoring under Wildlife Act 1972. (112 words)
Q2 (250 words): Discuss conservation challenges for cetaceans in India’s eastern seaboard and policy measures required.
Model Answer: Frequent strandings (18 whales, 2016-20; 61% Bryde’s) signal ship collisions, entanglements in Odisha’s busy shipping lanes. Climate shifts exacerbate prey disruptions. Policies: Implement IWC necropsy protocols; enforce speed limits in hotspots like Bhitarkanika; fund ZSI-led genetics research. Integrate with NMFS-like stranding network; fisher cooperatives for bycatch reduction. Successes like skeleton preservation build public awareness, eco-tourism revenue for protection funds. Align with India’s CMS commitments for sustainable Bay of Bengal marine management. (98 words)