If you have heard of the pink river dolphin, Amazon river dolpin, then
you have also heard that not only is it rare, but it is endangered.
The pink river dolphin is the last of the five species of river dolphins
that are practically extinct. Researchers believe that that pink
river dolphin, or Boto, is declining at 10% per year. The pink river
dolphin has lived in the Amazon River and in the streams and main rivers
of the Orinoco River systems for centuries. However, there are many
causes to why the pink river dolphin is on the verge of extinction.
Humans and Mankind:
Humans are the main cause of endangerment for the pink river
dolphin. In the natural environment the Amazon river dolphin does
not have enemies. The dolphin is known to have a brain capacity 40%
larger than humans, yet humans are indirectly eliminating the pink river
dolphin. The Boto has lived in harmony with the people of the Amazon
for centuries, however, urban development, economic changes, water
pollution and environmental pollution created by us has caused this
amazing creature to be poisoned and killed.
Dolphin Fins as Fish Bait:
Yet another human cause to the endangerment of the pink dolphin is the
inhuman way people are treating the Amazon river dolphin. Some
fishing techniques from Columbia have made their way to the Amazon.
These techniques involve using flesh from the pink dolphin as bait to
catch fish. The fins of the pink dolphin are cut off for bait, and
the pink river dolphin is left mutilated and dead.
River Contamination:
The Amazon River, as well as the other rivers that the pink river dolphin
live in are being contaminated from gold mines. Gold mines use
mercury, which then runs into the river and contaminate the water and the
pink river dolphin has suffered due to water pollution.
Destruction of Habitat:
Yet another human interference with the pink river dolphin. We are
destroying the rain forests, and therefore, the rivers that flow into
them. With the disappearing habitat the pink river dolphin has no
where to go.
River Traffic and Fishing:
Many pink dolphins get caught up in the propellers of the boats that use
the river systems. Some of these boats are fishing boats. When
the lines of fishing boats get caught up or tangled they are just cut off
and left. This causes many deaths among the pink river
dolphin. They get caught up in the nets and eventually drown.
