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Dolphin species in South America

SOUTH AMERICAN RIVER DOLPHIN INITIATIVE SARDI

River Dolphin Diversity in South America: Focus on the Orinoco and the Amazon

Of the six recognized species of river dolphins in the world, two notable species reside in South America, specifically in the vast and biodiverse Orinoco and Amazon basins. These species, the pink dolphin and the gray dolphin, are not only fascinating for their unique characteristics and specific adaptations to rivers, but also for their ecological importance in these aquatic ecosystems.
Download Amazon Dolphin Fact Sheet

These are the species that we know best and that are recognized by the scientific community:

Of the eight river dolphins that exist in the world, four are found in South America, in the Orinoco and Amazon basins. Two of the best-known species are the pink dolphin Inia geoffrensis and the gray or tucuxi dolphin Sotalia fluviatilis. Of the eight river dolphins that exist in the world, four are found in South America, in the Orinoco and Amazon basins. Two of the best-known species are the pink dolphin Inia geoffrensis and the gray or tucuxi dolphin Sotalia fluviatilis
Inia geoffrensis - Fernando Trujillo - Fundacion Omacha

Inia geoffrensis

The pink dolphin, the largest freshwater dolphin in the world, measuring up to 2.8 meters and can weigh 180 kilos

More information

Tucuxi / Sotalia Fluviatilis

The gray dolphin, which reaches 1.6 meters and weighs around 50 kilos.

learn more about tucixui

In addition, there are other species that are not yet internationally recognized.

Inia geoffrensis - Fernando Trujillo - Fundacion Omacha

Inia araguaiensis

Also known as the Araguaia boto, this species has a different genetic variation from the rest of Inias, since it is isolated in Brazil due to dams

Inia geoffrensis - Fernando Trujillo - Fundacion Omacha

Inia boliviensis

Also known as Bufeo, this species has a different genetic variation from the rest of Inias, since it is isolated in Bolivia due to dams.

Consult the infographic

The trend in South America is the decrease of its main threats populations:

Conflicts with fishing activities such as bycatch in fishing nets.
They frequently become trapped in fishing nets, an acute problem during fishing activities.​
They are illegally hunted and traded for use in traditional products and as fishing bait.
Hydroelectric dams significantly alter their natural habitats, blocking their migratory routes and affecting river ecosystems.
Mercury, used in mining and other industries, pollutes the waters, accumulating in the dolphins' tissues and affecting their health.
The loss of riparian forests decreases habitat quality, eroding riverbanks and altering the river food chain.
Camilo Diaz - WWF Colombia

Together it is possible to conserve these species and their freshwater homes!

We are part of the South American River Dolphin Initiative (SARDI), an organization dedicated to the preservation and protection of river dolphins, and we are proud to be part of a network committed to the conservation of these wonderful aquatic mammals and their habitats. As active members of SARDI, we carry out a series of strategic actions and significant activities to fulfill our mission:

We carry out expeditions to analyze dolphin population trends (and thus know if they are increasing, decreasing or remaining stable) using technology such as satellite tracking.

We promote advocacy actions, together with partners and governments, to create action plans that contribute to the conservation of dolphins and rivers.

We provide information for the expansion of protected areas and establishment of biological corridors for these species.

We also support partners' work with local communities on fishing pedagogy and conflict reduction.

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