River Dolphin Species: Facts, Threats, and Conservation

Explore the Fascinating World of River Dolphins

Reading time : 1 minute, Discovery Chepe Id-530-ECO
Published in 11-18-2024

Amazon pink dolphin. Credit: Shutterstock.

River dolphins, unlike their marine relatives, have evolved to adapt to life in rivers and estuaries. They are highly specialized species and many of them are in danger of extinction due to habitat loss, pollution and bycatch.

How many species are there? Currently, there are six recognized species of river dolphins distributed in different regions of the world. Each of them has unique characteristics and fascinating adaptations.

Happy #WorldAmazonDay! For the first time ever, we've tagged Amazon river dolphins. Despite their iconic status, little is known about the movement of these populations... until now. ? pic.twitter.com/rurAgIdwZs
— WWF UK (@wwf_uk) September 5, 2018

Rare River Dolphin Species: A Call to Action

Indus River Dolphin in Pakistan. Credit WWF Pakistan.

The 6 Species of River Dolphins

Amazon Pink Dolphin (Inia geoffrensis):
1- Characteristics: It is the largest river dolphin and is known for its characteristic pink color, although it can vary depending on diet and age. It has a flexible neck and an elongated snout that allows it to explore in murky waters.
2-Distribution: Amazon and Orinoco Rivers, in South America.

Tucuxi (Sotalia fluviatilis):
1- Characteristics: Medium-sized dolphin, dark gray in color, with a slimmer body than the pink dolphin. It lives in both fresh and brackish waters.
2-Distribution: Coasts of Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela and Guyana.

Ganges River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica):
1-Characteristics: Blind or almost blind river dolphin, adapted to living in turbid waters. It has a long, narrow snout with numerous teeth.
2-Distribution: Ganges and Indus rivers in Asia.

Indus River Dolphin (Platanista minor):
1-Characteristics: Very similar to the Ganges dolphin, but smaller.
2-Distribution: Indus River in Asia.

Irawadi Dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris):
1-Characteristics: Dark grey river dolphin with a rounded head and a short face.
2-Distribution: Rivers in Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam.

Yangtze River Finless Porpoise (Neophocaena phocaenoides):
1-Characteristics: Freshwater porpoise with a robust body and a dorsal fin reduced.
2-Distribution: Yangtze River, China (Unfortunately, it is considered functionally extinct).

Ganges River Dolphin in Bangladesh. Credit Mansur-WCS Bangladesh

Threats and Conservation
River dolphins face various threats that endanger their survival, such as:

a) Habitat loss: Deforestation, dam construction and water pollution destroy their natural habitats.
b) Bycatch: They are accidentally caught in fishing nets.
c) Pollution: Chemicals and industrial waste contaminate the water and affect their health.

The conservation of these animals is essential to preserve the biodiversity of our rivers. Various initiatives are being carried out to protect these species and their habitats, such as the creation of protected areas, the regulation of fishing and environmental education.