Pink Amazonian River Dolphin

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Common Name: Pink Amazonian River Dolphin

Scientific Name: Inia geoffrensis

Status: Vulnerable

Out of about forty species of dolphins, only five types live in freshwater rivers. One of those five types is the Pink Amazonian River Dolphin. They are considered to be the most intelligent species out of all the freshwater dolphins (with a brain capacity 40% larger than a human’s, how could they not be?). Due to human activity, their numbers have declined rapidly through the past few years, and if we do not step up to protect these beautiful creatures they will one day become extinct.

Appearance:

Where other dolphins have dorsal fins on their backs, pink river dolphins only have bumps. Mature female pink river dolphins are 2.5 – 3 metres long and weigh 200 kg. Males weigh slightly more and are slightly bigger.

Habitat:

The pink river dolphin lives in the tributaries and the main rivers of the Amazon River. They can also be found in the Orinoco River, a river that flows through Brazil, Bolivia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Guyana and Peru.

Diet:

These unique dolphins mainly eat fish (such as catfish), crustaceans at the bottom of rivers (such as crabs) and occasionally turtles. They have 100 peg-like teeth that help them catch their prey.

Families:

After an estimated gestation period of approximately nine to twelve months, baby dolphins (known as calves) are born, measuring about 75 cm and weighing almost one kilogram.

Threats:

Unfortunately, pink river dolphins are endangered due to overfishing, pollution and habitat loss. Fishing nets that drag along the bottom of rivers can also trap and kill these dolphins.

Fun Facts:

1. Scientists estimate that the pink river dolphins’ reddish flush come from the capillaries on the surface of their skin.

2. Pink river dolphins are friendly and sensitive by nature.

3. Pink river dolphins do not live in pods.