Amazon River Dolphin
Amazon River Dolphin (Pink Dolphin) Facts
Scientific name: Inia geoffrensis
Conservation Status: Endangered โ population decreasing
Lifespan: 30 years
Mass: 85 to 160 kg
Length: 1.8 to 2.5 metres (females tend to be slightly smaller)
More About Amazon River Dolphins:
Amazon river dolphin, also known as the โpink river dolphin or botoโ, is found in freshwater rivers in the Amazon and Orinoco basins in South America. Unlike marine dolphins, this species has a distinctive body structure perfectly suitable for the turbid river environment. They have a long neck, elongated snout, and teeth that can be shifted to crush the prey. They differ in colour, can turn pink for males, and are generally light grey, especially in the younger stage.
Unlike many other dolphin species, Amazon river dolphins are solitary and do not travel in large pods. They use their flexible necks to search for prey, mainly fish, crustaceans, and even small terrestrial mammals that fall into the water. Their diet and hunting adaptations allow them to thrive in the complex ecosystem of the Amazon basin.
These animals exhibit various behaviours, including play and other interactions, as well as hunting, occasionally. They also share common responses with people, especially within the territories where people consider them holy or that they are protective spirits of the river.
Amazon River Dolphin Facts & Tidbits
- The Amazon river dolphin is also known as โthe pink river dolphinโ as it grows older the dolphin acquires a pink colour which is especially noticeable in male dolphins.
- It belongs to the families of River dolphins and has a long snout and rounded head.
- These dolphins have also great mobility of the cervical vertebra and can rotate their head 90 degrees.
- While oceanic dolphins have sharp teeth similar to those of a saw, Amazon river dolphins possess molar-like projections for tearing and chewing their food.
- The Amazon river dolphins are predominantly isolated or in small pods but tend to gather loosely in large numbers during periods of abundant food supply.
Distribution
Wondering where are the best places to see Amazon river dolphins in the wild?
To see these unique river dolphins, the Amazon basin in Brazil offers the best opportunities, especially around the confluence of major rivers like the Rio Negro and Rio Solimรตes near Manaus. Other notable spots include the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve in Peru and Colombiaโs Amazonian rivers.
Status of Amazon River Dolphins
IUCN Status: Endangered
Amazon river dolphins have been historically widespread in the regions they inhabit. However, the population of the Amazon River dolphin is threatened by habitat loss, water pollution, accidental entanglement in fishing nets, dam construction and mercury found from mining activities too.
Due to these factors, the IUCN has listed the Amazon river dolphin under the threatened species category as endangered. Present conservation measures are being employed to ensure that the last populations of these species are saved but the future of this extraordinary freshwater cetacean remains bleak.
โIn the heart of the Amazon, the river whispers, and the pink dolphins dance.โ
SEE More about Pink Dolphins
Amazon River Dolphins primarily eat fish, but their diet can include crabs and other small aquatic creatures found in the Amazon River.
Their pink color comes from capillaries near the skin and scar tissue developed during rough play or fighting.
Yes, they are classified as endangered due to habitat loss, pollution, and fishing practices.