Several myths and mysteries surround the Amazon river dolphin (Inia geoffrensis), also known as the boto, bufeo, or pink river dolphin. Keep reading to discover some surprising facts about these beautiful and enigmatic animals, such as their unique body shape and color, conservation status, and mythology.
Dolphins are commonly associated with oceans, but there are some species, like the Amazon river dolphin, that can be found in rivers.
As their name suggests, botos live in the basins of the Amazon and Orinoco rivers of South America, which means they can be found in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, and Venezuela.
Although Amazon river dolphins have the characteristic dolphin smile, their bright pink skin sets them apart from their marine cousins.
But that’s not the only difference. Pink river dolphins have long beaks and rounded foreheads. And let’s not forget about their weight and length. An adult boto can weigh up to 450 pounds and grow to 9 feet in length, so they tend to be smaller than other dolphins.
Their pink skin is still a mystery. Experts are not completely sure why the skin of Amazon river dolphins has this characteristic color. What they do know is that botos are born gray and become pinker with age.
A popular theory is that pink skin is scar tissue from fighting over conquests. Another interesting fact about this species is that females find bright pink skin attractive!
Pink river dolphins also have a great ability to swim through the flooded forest. Thanks to their unfused vertebrae, botos can move their heads in all directions. This helps them check things out from every angle and swim between trees during the rainy season. In addition, botos use echolocation to identify prey and obstacles in muddy water.
Like many other animals, Amazon river dolphin populations are declining. This species has been included in the “Endangered” (EN) category of the IUCN’s Red List. This is the list’s second most alarming category, which means they may become extinct unless more coordinated actions are taken to protect them. Currently, humans are the only threat to these animals.
Human activities affect their home, what they eat, their ability to breed, and more. Dam construction destroys their habitat. Overfishing is reducing their main source of food. Mercury poisoning is affecting their health. And to make things worse, some fishermen intentionally kill these dolphins to use them as bait for fish or to keep them away from fish stock.
While some people don’t think twice before killing these dolphins, others believe botos have magical powers. Local people say it’s bad luck to kill these “sacred animals” and even worse luck to eat one.
According to a South American myth, the Amazon river dolphin can turn itself into a handsome man when the sun goes down. Wearing white clothes and a straw hat, the boto seduces young women walking alone and impregnates them. Before the sun comes up, they turn back into dolphins.
Another popular myth says that pink river dolphins can take lone swimmers to a magical underwater city called “Encante.” Local people avoid swimming alone in the rivers because they might never return to land again.
What’s your favorite part about these mysterious creatures?
Written by: Cristina Solis (Environmental Engineer and Content Writer).
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