The Amazon pink river dolphin (Inia geoffrensis), also known as the boto, is a freshwater mammal native to the Amazon and Orinoco river basins in South America. Found in Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, and Ecuador, these dolphins are notable for their skin that changes from gray to pink with age and their unique adaptation to navigate wetlands. Unfortunately, they are currently endangered due to multiple human-related threats.
These dolphins are frequently accidentally caught in fishing nets targeting edible fish, including nets intended for the Amazonian manatee (Trichechus inunguis). In 2010, 176 pink dolphins were reported dead in Tefé, Brazil, due to fishing industry interactions.
Pink dolphins are hunted to be used as bait to catch the piracatinga fish (Calophysus macropterus), which is the primary cause of direct mortality. Although banned in Brazil, illegal hunting continues, with estimates of up to 4,000 dolphins killed annually in the Amazonas state alone.
Population growth has driven the construction of dams and water diversion, altering natural river courses and reducing the habitat range for dolphins, increasing competition for resources.
Dolphins rely heavily on healthy water levels in wetlands, but climate change and human activity have caused significant water loss, threatening their habitat.
Pollution from pesticides and heavy metals contaminates water bodies, posing serious health risks to dolphins, including potential carcinogenic effects.
There is no complete census due to complex population dynamics. Estimates from protected areas like Mamirauá Reserve near Tefé suggest approximately 13,000 individuals. Population density varies widely across regions, indicating a need for further research.
Reduce personal contributions to water pollution; avoid dumping waste into rivers and lakes.
Raise awareness and educate communities far from dolphin habitats about their plight.
Support conservation organizations such as WWF through donations or symbolic animal adoptions to fund research and protection efforts.
For more information, explore our article on Other Types of Dolphins.
animal tags： boto Inia geoffrensis
you may also like
Weevils, particularly those in the family Curculionidae, exhibit some of the most intriguing mating behaviors in the insect world. One of the most striking features of male weevils is the presence of hundreds of tiny spines at the tip of their reproductive organs. This article delves into the signif...
The Mediterranean Sea is home to a wide variety of sharks, including velvet-bellied lantern sharks, blue sharks, sevengill sharks, thresher sharks, great white sharks, and tiger sharks. The Mediterranean Sea is home to a wide variety of sharks, with at least 47 species in its waters. Sharks in the r...
When it comes to calm, social, and irresistibly cute animals, the capybara is in a league of its own. These giant rodents have stolen the hearts of millions, but there’s much more to them than meets the eye. Dive into this detailed guide about capybaras and discover why they’re nature’s chillest...
The Turkey (bird) is way more fascinating than most people realize. Sure, it’s the star of Thanksgiving feasts, but there’s a lot going on with turkeys behind the scenes. From their quirky behaviors to their cultural significance and even the challenges they face, this bird deserves more credit th...
Reindeer, female deer can weigh more than 150 kilograms, and male deer can weigh as little as about 90 kilograms. Both male and female deer have a pair of branch-like antlers, with a width of up to 1.8 meters. They are formed by ossifying the dermis and piercing the skin. They are replaced every year. The old antlers just fall off and new ones begin to grow. Although reindeer are docile and kind, they were not domesticated. The reindeer in North America are purely wild; while the reindeer distri...
Lemurs are fascinating creatures known for their unique appearance, behavior, and crucial role in Madagascar’s ecosystems. Among their striking features, big eyes stand out as both a charming trait and an evolutionary adaptation. This article dives into the world of lemurs, focusing on their large...
Giant salamander, also known as Chinese giant salamander, Chinese giant salamander, also known as: giant salamander, mermaid, baby fish, foot fish, cry fish, wax dog, scientific name Andrias davidianus, is an extremely rare amphibian, endemic to China. The Chinese giant salamander is one of the larg...
Inventory of extinct animalsAs time goes by, many species on Earth are becoming extinct due to natural disasters, human activities, climate change and other reasons. These extinct animals have sounded the alarm for us to protect biodiversity and remind us to pay attention to ecological and environme...
Email: jsset668#gmail.com (change # to @) Please indicate your purpose of visit! Guangdong ICP No. 2022053326 XML| map| Chinese
