Marine Mammals

River Dolphin Conservation and Welfare

The worlds freshwater river dolphins are among the most endangered cetaceans, facing threats from bycatch, habitat degradation, and boat strikes.

Key Facts

Six species of river dolphins exist across South America and South Asia
The Yangtze River dolphin (baiji) was declared functionally extinct in 2006
The Amazon river dolphin (boto) is classified as Endangered
Gillnet bycatch is the primary threat to most river dolphin species
River dolphins live in murky water and navigate by echolocation, making them vulnerable to boat noise

Welfare Considerations

River dolphins caught in gillnets drown slowly, a prolonged and distressing death. Entangled animals may struggle for extended periods before exhaustion and drowning. Those that survive entanglement may suffer lacerations and internal injuries. Pollution, overfishing of prey species, and dam construction cumulatively degrade river dolphin welfare through food stress and habitat loss. The loss of entire species represents the ultimate welfare failure.

What You Can Do

Support organizations like WWF and Andes Amazon Fund working on river dolphin conservation
Advocate for gillnet restrictions in critical river dolphin habitat
Support ecotourism programs that fund local conservation and provide economic alternatives to fishing
Oppose dam construction in remaining river dolphin range without adequate mitigation