Dolphin Species: Amazon River Dolphin
Inia geoffrensis

This species is found in the Orinoco and Amazon basins, South America.

The Guarayo Indians of Bolivia call this dolphin Inia. When Geoffroy St. Hilaire found the type specimen, he used the Indians' name for the genus. Its common name, Boto, is often incorrectly spelt as either Bouto or Boutu.

Local Names: Amazon River Dolphin; Boto Vermelho; Bufeo; Tonina; Pink Dolphin; Pink Porpoise.

Appearance
The Boto is the largest river dolphin; it has a very large melon and slender, slightly curved beak with bulging cheeks. The flippers are large and curve to a point with a ragged trailing edge. The body is plump yet tapers to the tail, and a humped dorsal ridge exists instead of an actual fin. The body colour is blue-grey, vivid pink or off-white. Adults reach 2.6m in length, and weigh around 160kg.

The Boto, with its humped back and long beak, cannot really be mistaken for other cetaceans that inhabit its waterways.

Habitat
Botos are mainly found in brown, slow-moving waters. These dolphins readily leave the main river channels in December-June, the flood season, and enter flooded grasslands and forests. During the dry season, some individuals can become trapped in stagnant ponds - and, since fish are also trapped, the dolphins usually survive well.

Food & Feeding
Boto feed upon a variety of fish and crabs, mostly bottom-dwelling species but also some schooling. Small turtles are also occasionally taken.

Behavior
This species is not often seen in groups larger than 2, but in rare circumstances up to 15 may be seen together. They are slow-moving animals that are able to move their head in any direction, which is due to the unfused vertebrae in the neck. Though their eyes are small they can see quite well, except for their bulging cheeks hampering downward view. This, however, is overcome by swimming upside down.

Longevity
Approximately 30 years.

Estimated Current Population
Unknown.

Influence of Man
Due to the escalating devlopment in the Amazon basin, the Boto faces much exploitation. Small irrigation projects cause the drying up of small lakes and ponds, whilst the larger hydroelectric projects disturb both the Boto and its prey, creating small isolated populations in areas of little food. Fishermen see them as competition for fish, and so kill them. Some are taken also so that their eyes and sexual organs can be sold as love charms; others are taken live for aquarium collectors. In 1988 this species was given full protection in Brazil and Bolivia, and is partially protected in areas of Peru, Venezuela and Colombia.