Marine Animals

Freshwater Dolphin Habitat Conservation

River dolphins are among the most endangered cetaceans, facing threats from pollution, entanglement, and habitat degradation.

Key Facts

Six river dolphin species or subspecies exist globally with most critically endangered
Indus River dolphins are nearly blind and navigate by echolocation in turbid water
Entanglement in fishing nets causes dolphin deaths throughout their range
Irrigation dams fragment river dolphin habitat and reduce fish availability
Local communities in range countries have led successful dolphin protection programs

Welfare Considerations

River dolphins face habitat crises that cause individual welfare suffering alongside population decline. Entanglement deaths are acutely distressing. Reduced fish availability forces dolphins into areas with greater human conflict. Community-led protection programs that integrate dolphin welfare with sustainable fisheries provide the most effective and locally supported conservation.

What You Can Do

Support river dolphin conservation programs in range countries
Advocate for sustainable fisheries management in dolphin habitat rivers
Donate to organizations working on freshwater dolphin protection
Engage with river dolphin conservation as distinct from marine cetacean issues
Support research on freshwater dolphin distribution and population status