Amazon river dolphin (Inia geoffrensis)
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The Amazon river dolphin (Inia geoffrensis), also known as the boto (pronounced 'boatoo'), bufeo, or pink river dolphin, is a species of toothed whale endemic to South America. These dolphins are known for their distinctive pink coloration, which is more prominent in males.
It’s the largest species of river dolphin, with adult males reaching up to 160 kilograms (353 lb) and 2.55 metres (8.36 ft) in length and adult females reaching 1.96m(6.43 ft) in length and 96.5kg (213 lb).[1]
Distribution
The Amazon river dolphin inhabits various river systems across South America. They are found in the Amazon and Orinoco river basins, spanning several countries including Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela.[2]
Brazil
In Brazil, Amazon river dolphins have been extensively recorded. They are found in the central region, particularly in the Araguaia-Tocantins River basin, and various tributaries such as the das Mortes and Verde, Paranã, Vermelho, Peixe, Crixas-Açú, and Água Limpa rivers. Additionally, sightings have been reported in Lake Montaria in the state of Mato Grosso and mangrove habitats in Marajó Bay.[2]
Amazon river dolphin sightings have also been documented in several rivers and tributaries of the Amazon basin in Brazil, including the Juruá, Purus, Madeira, Tapajós, Xingu (only below Belo Monte falls), Içá, Caquetá-Japurá, Negro-Branco, and Trombetas. Moreover, they have been observed along the Madeira mainstem above and below the Teotônio rapids.[2]
Bolivia
Reports of Amazon river dolphin sightings come from various river basins in Bolivia, including the Beni (and Orton tributaries), Iténez or Guaporé Basin (Verde, Machupo, and Iporuporé tributaries), and Mamoré Basin and its tributaries such as Pirai, Grande, Ichilo, Chapare, Ibaré, Matucaré, Tijamuchi, Apere, Yacuma, and Yata.[2]
Colombia
In Colombia, Amazon river dolphins are found in both the Orinoco and Amazon systems. They inhabit the Caquetá-Japurá River, from the Araracuara rapids to the mouth of the Apaporis River at the border with Brazil, the Putumayo-Içá River from Puerto Leguizamo to the east, and in the Amazon River. In the Orinoco, sightings have been reported in various rivers including Meta, Arauca, Casanare, Bita, Vichada, Tomo, Tuparro, Orinoco, Guaviare (and the Guayabero affluent), Inírida, and Atabapo.[2]
Ecuador
Amazon river dolphins are widely distributed in Ecuador, particularly in the main rivers and some lacustrine systems at elevations below 260 meters. They have been sighted in rivers such as Payamino (near Napo River), Napo, Pastaza, Tigre, and Santiago. Notably, they are absent from the Morona River in the Ecuadorian Amazon.[2]
Peru
In Peru, Amazon river dolphin can be found in various tributaries of the Ucayali and Marañon flowing generally north, as well as in the Napo, Tigre, and Pastaza tributaries flowing generally south.[2]
Venezuela
In Venezuela, Amazon river dolphins occur in the Orinoco system, including the delta region upstream at Ciudad Bolivar, Caicara del Orinoco, and near Puerto Ayacucho. They are also found in rivers such as Apure, Portuguesa, Guanare, Guaritico, Capanaparo, Cinaruco, and Caura. Amazon river dolphin sightings have been documented in the Cassiquiare Canal, connecting the Orinoco with the Negro River, and above and below the two sets of rapids at Puerto Ayacucho.[2]
Threats
Populations of the Amazon river dolphin are at risk because of several threats to the Amazon-Orinoco aquatic ecosystems including residential & commercial development, energy production, mining, pollution, agriculture, hydroelectric development, deforestation and fisheries.[1][2]
IUCN Red List assessments
- 2018 – Endangered (EN)
- 2011 — Data Deficient (DD)
- 2008 — Data Deficient (DD)
- 1996 — Vulnerable (VU)
- 1994 — Vulnerable (V)
- 1990 — Vulnerable (V)
- 1988 — Vulnerable (V)
See also
External links
- Amazon River Dolphin IUCN
- [1]Dolphins, Porpoises and Whales of the World - The IUCN Red Data Book IUCN Pages (52-59)
- Amazon river dolphin Wikipedia