Pink River Dolphins are playful and slow swimming fish are the best known of the five species of river dolphins.
The Amazon Pink River Dolphin is also called Boto. They are found from Peru to Columbia in South America. Many scientists recognize seven sub species of the Boto.
Physical Characteristics of the Amazon Pink River Dolphin
Pink River Dolphins have a very unique shape that makes them easy to identify. They have a long fattish body with paddle shaped fins and a ridge along the back rather than a dorsal fin.
The head is melon shaped and they have small eyes, plump cheeks and a long beak holding up to 170 teeth. Another amazing characteristic is their coloring. It ranges from dull grey to white and even pink; hence the name Pink River Dolphin.
Females reach maturity between six to ten years where males don’t mature until 12 years of age. The Boto has been known to live for thirty years.
Habitat of the Amazon Pink River Dolphin
Pink River Dolphins are very versatile. They will travel 3000 km out to sea, but they are also are able to live in a mix of fresh and salt water.
Botos feed on a variety of fish and crab which they find in the muddy waters with their sonar.
These dolphins are found mostly in slow moving river basins and streams, but during flood season they leave the deeper channels and explore the flooded forests. The Boto is very graceful and can manage swimming through trees without a problem.
Behavioral Habits of the Amazon Pink River Dolphin
Botos are most active in the early morning or late evenings. They like to swim in groups with fifteen dolphins being about the largest gathering.
They are very curious and playful which most likely explains their slow swimming habits. They have to explore everything from pulling on boat oars to coming near a boat or just playing with dolphins in their group.
Botos have very flexible bodies which allow them to swim in very shallow water and weave in and out of trees during the flood season.
Pink River Dolphins are often seen swimming upside down. This is due to their plump cheeks making downward vision hard for them to do.
Folklore about Pink River Dolphins
Locals are most suspicious of this species simply because of all the folk tales passed down through generations. Some people think Botos turn into handsome young men to carry off the young women of the tribes!
The Pink River Dolphin was put on the endangered species list in 2002. It is hoped that this species can be saved and not like the Chinese species called Baiji that were declared extinct in 2006.
Related Article:
South American River Dolphin Survey A unique survey of South America's river dolphin populations is giving a clearer picture of the status of two threatened species and the rivers they live in.
