Freshwater dolphins in Asia and South America face severe threats from pollution, fishing gear entanglement, and habitat destruction.
Freshwater dolphins live in some of the world most polluted and overfished river systems. They experience chronic exposure to agricultural chemicals, heavy metals, and plastic waste. Caught in fishing gear, they may suffer injuries or drown. As highly social, cognitively advanced mammals, disruption of their river habitats — through dams, boat traffic, and pollution — profoundly affects their ability to hunt, communicate, and maintain social bonds.