Why Is the Pink Dolphin an Endangered Species?
A species is threatened when it may become extinct in the near future. If a species numbers are so low that it may become extinct immediately, it is considered endangered. The pink dolphin, or bouto, has unfortunately been moved from the “vulnerable species-threatened” to the “endangered species-threatened” list.
The pink dolphin is endangered because of several factors. These include deforestation, industrial development, pollution, and hunting. Loss of habitat is the major cause of species becoming endangered around the world.
Species are being destroyed every day from deforestation. Industrial development increases traffic in the river and dolphins can be injured by the propellers. The noise from these boats can disorient the dolphins, causing their death.
Pollution, especially mercury, can interrupt the food chain in the river and cause disease and death.
Many South American Indians believed it was bad luck to kill a dolphin, so dolphins thrived and their numbers increased. As new people arrived to settle in their habitat, the pink dolphins were aslo hunted as well, leading to a decrease in their numbers.
Pink Dolphin Characteristics
The pink river dolphin is also named the Amazon River dolphin. Its most striking characteristic is its color.
Its color changes as it ages. When it is young, it is dark gray on the top. As it matures, the pink coloration appears on the lower part of its body and spreads up and back. The pink fades with age until it is almost white. Its length is from 6 to 9 feet, and, being the largest river dolphin, can weigh up to 400 pounds.
Hunting for Food
The pink river dolphin eats almost any small fish, turtles, and crustaceans. Of the five species of river dolphin, pink dolphins are considered the most intelligent. They hunt in a similar fashion to their oceanic cousins. They swim around a school of fish, herding them into a small area and then, they take turns feeding.
Habitat of the Pink River Dolphin
The habitat of the pink dolphin has a lot to do with the question, “Why is the pink dolphin an endangered species?” Pink dolphins live primarily in the Amazon River, its lakes and tributaries. They can also be found in the Orinoco River and its tributaries.
Why Save Endangered Species?
One of the main reasons to save endangered species is medicinal. Only 5 percent of all known species have been tested to see if they have any medicinal value. Since 100 species a day are being destroyed, we may be losing some valuable cures.
Life on this planet is dependent on other life. When species disappear, fragile ecosystems are out of balance. Losing one species can cause many others to become endangered, which in turn may cause other species to become extinct. This can cause a chain reaction, affecting the whole world.
What Can Be Done?
Protecting habitats is a very good way to help animals and plants survive. Permanent areas such as parks and preserves allow the animals and plants to live as nature intended. If you visit a park or reserve, follow all the rules and regulations.
Other ways you can help include putting out a birdfeeder and birdbath, planting trees, and composting. Composting is natural and replaces chemical fertilizers. Of course, you need to recycle, reuse and reduce. Turn off anything when not in use, install water-saving devices in your bathroom, and don’t leave the water running when you brush your teeth. Try to use your car less, by carpooling, walking, or biking.
You can also be more directly involved by starting a group that will protect habitat where you live. You could also write letter or articles about endangered and threatened species and send them to newspapers or publish them online. We need to do all we can, so that the question, “Why is the pink dolphin an endangered species?” can be answered, “They are not endangered anymore.”