Of the five fresh-water dolphin species in the world, the pink-tinted Amazon River Dolphin, or boto, is the most intelligent. These dolphins are friendly and have a brain capacity 40% larger than humans. Only a few years ago, these mammalian swimmers were one of the least threatened species of dolphin in the world. Now it has become one of the most endangered species of dolphin. This is due to the destruction and deforestation of the rainforest.
Their social habits are not quite like a bottle-nosed dolphin's. They do not have any predators, except for humans, so they do not need to travel in large schools. The unique coloration of the boto is poorly understood, but the presence of capillaries near the surface of the skin probably accounts for some or most of the pinkness. Other factors of this amazing brightness are probably age related, or the temperature of the water.
Scientists have studied the recent botos' ancestors. Not much information was uncovered though. They did find out though that their ancestors entered the Amazon River through the Pacific Ocean approximately 15 million years ago. They were called Ania at this time. Their physical features were not identical to the dolphins now. They have changed over the years and are recognized as adaptions to their complex environment.
Since these delicate animals are threatened, people usually don't come in contact with them. Their chances for survival are higher if people stay a great deal of distance away and stay out of their lives. Something people can do for them is visit the site on our bibliography for them. It is called SOS from the Amazon. It gives you information and lets you know how to adopt and help preserve animals, people, and acreage.
They dolphins come in two different colors. The gray ones are usually regarded as sacred animals especially to the native tribes. Also, the gray dolphins are more cautious. This may be because of their smaller size and delicate skin. The two colors are pink and gray. Scientists' say that the older the dolphin gets the pinker it gets. Not every one believes this and if you look at the picture with the mother and baby dolphin you may not believe that either. The baby is the same color as its mother.
The dolphins eat crustaceans, (which are crabs, and shrimp, etc.) catfish, and other fresh-water fish. Infused vertebrate in their neck allows them to complete a 180-degree turn of the head. This helps them be more flexible, and allows them to move more freely in floodplains, grasslands, tributaries, and shallow waters. They have a hump on their back instead of a dorsal fin. There nose is elongated and gives it a Pinocchio, and a somewhat an alien look.
This wonderful creature's biggest threat is fisherman and their nets. Luckily, all dolphins are capable of acting aggressively, and instinctively know to stay away, so not many get caught. Not all of the botos are that lucky though. Some don't see the nets, and the fishermen have the advantage anyway. It is the way of life that the fishermen win some and the botos win some.
None of these dolphins' intelligence has been extensively tested. Scientists have found out that the ratio of brain mass to body weight compares very much like a Bottle-nosed Dolphin. Their size varies but they are usually 2.5 or 3 meters long and weigh about 90 kilograms. The males are generally larger than the females, but every once in a while you can find a larger female.
These incredible creatures live mainly in the Amazon Rivers. These rivers are the Orinoco River systems, and the main Amazon system. River dolphins reach sexual maturity when they reach 2 meters long in length. Their calving season is between July, and September. Their gestation period is between 9 and 12 months. Young river dolphins are called calves. This is just like other dolphins around the world.
The Amazon is the only place in the world you can find these dolphins. These incredible creatures are on the endangered species list and we need to get them off. Make sure you visit the site in our bibliography or links page. (It is the last one) to help save the rainforest. Make note of it. Thanks.
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