Wild Animals

Wild Freshwater Dolphin Conservation

Freshwater dolphins in the Amazon, Ganges, and Yangtze river systems are critically threatened by fishing, habitat loss, and pollution.

Key Facts

The Yangtze river dolphin (baiji) is functionally extinct — possibly the first cetacean species driven to extinction in modern times
Amazon river dolphins face increasing pressure from fishing bycatch and habitat degradation
Indus and Ganges dolphins suffer from dams that fragment their habitat
Freshwater dolphins are indicators of overall river ecosystem health

Welfare Considerations

River dolphins facing population collapse experience welfare impacts from reduced food availability, entanglement, and habitat restriction. Their exceptional intelligence amplifies the welfare significance of the suffering they experience in degraded river systems.

What You Can Do

Support organizations working on river dolphin conservation and fishery reform
Donate to river restoration projects in freshwater dolphin range
Advocate for dam management that maintains downstream connectivity for dolphins
Engage with consumers and businesses to reduce pollution entering freshwater dolphin habitats