the log blog

The Boto Dolphin

Not all dolphins live in the ocean like Flipper. This month’s featured endangered species is a freshwater dolphin. The boto (Inia geoffrensis), or pink Amazon River dolphin, inhabits the Amazon River as well its deeper tributaries.

In spite of its unique appearance, engaging personality, and special place in indigenous culture, this dolphin is classified as a vulnerable species. Due to increased development of the Amazon River and its tributaries, the boto is almost certain to face even more of a struggle in the years to come. Fortunately, there is still time to save this wonderful creature.Although they would never win a beauty contest, botos are definitely striking animals. Their skin is often bright pink, although it can also take on a grey hue if they are exposed to sunlight. Even stranger, these dolphins actually blush, becoming significantly pinker when they are excited. Their foreheads bulge out, making their tiny eyes look even smaller by comparison. Botos look like they should be almost blind, but in fact they can see very well in the water.

They have an incredibly long beak equipped with tiny, sharp teeth for devouring fish. Extremely sensitive hairs cover the beak, allowing the boto to sense movement in the water around it and catch prey more effectively. Adult botos can be anywhere from 6.5 to 8.5 feet long. Males can weigh up to 400 pounds. Females are generally smaller, weighing between 180 and 260 pounds. In addition to fish, these dolphins will eat crabs and even turtles.

The Stuff of Legend

Botos have a special place in local mythology. Some rainforest tribes believe the boto brings good luck, but many other tribes believe this dolphin to be a shape-shifter. According legend, the spirits of drowned people become botos, who can then change into handsome young men and leave the water for brief periods to seduce young women.

It’s easy to see why indigenous people would say that botos have human souls-they are the most playful and curious of the river dolphins, and they sometimes act as if they do feel a kinship with humans. For example, botos will sometimes play tag with divers, or pull them along in the water. There are also reports of these animals pushing struggling swimmers to the safety of the shore.

Botos are Under Threat

Why are these unique animals threatened, and what can we do about it?

The primary threats to the boto should sound familiar by now: loss of habitat due to deforestation, reduction of food supply due to hydroelectric dams, and possibly pollution from farming and mining in the area. Basically, the boto’s fate is tied to that of the rainforest. In the rainy season, the rivers flood adjacent forests, and the boto will swim right through the submerged trees looking for food. Support rainforest conservation by purchasing sustainable rainforest products, not purchasing any rainforest wood, and supporting organizations that buy tracts of rainforest land for conservation purposes.

The boto is not the only freshwater dolphin in the world. It’s just the one with the best chance of survival. Other species of freshwater dolphin live in Asian rivers, in India and China. Rampant pollution, overfishing and over-development have quite possibly already driven the baiji, the Chinese river dolphin, to extinction. In India, the Indus River dolphin has been decimated by the construction of various dams for hydroelectric power. Freshwater dolphins are more vulnerable than salt water species simply because their range is so much smaller.

They are also less well-known, and not as physically attractive as their salt water counterparts. However, even if they aren’t movie stars, they are still intriguing animals and should be protected.

This entry was posted on Monday, September 1st, 2008 at 12:28 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.