Amazon River DolphinInia geoffrensisWhere and when to see them

The Amazon river dolphin, also called the boto or pink river dolphin, is a freshwater cetacean native to South America. It inhabits the Amazon and Orinoco river systems, with its distribution shaped by rapids, waterfalls and other natural barriers. Adults vary from gray to pink, and large males are often especially pink. Its long beak, broad flippers and flexible neck help it find prey in complex river habitats. Major threats include entanglement in fishing gear, deliberate killing, dams and pollution.

Size

Adults typically measure about 1.5 to 2.5 m long; males are larger than females.

Weight

Large adult males can weigh up to about 185 kg; females are substantially lighter.

Lifespan

Lifespan in the wild is poorly documented; captive individuals have lived for more than 40 years.

Status

Endangered (IUCN)

Amazon river dolphins are usually seen alone or in small groups, although several may gather where food is concentrated. Mothers and calves maintain close associations. They use echolocation to navigate and locate prey in murky water. Unlike most oceanic dolphins, they can turn their heads considerably because their neck vertebrae are not fused together. Their broad flippers allow precise maneuvering among submerged branches and roots. Seasonal changes in water level influence their movements between river channels, lakes and flooded habitats. They generally surface with a low, rolling movement rather than making the conspicuous leaps associated with some marine dolphins.

• Pink coloration varies with age, sex and scarring.
• Its flexible neck helps it maneuver through flooded forest.
• Its rear teeth can crush hard prey.
• Botos feature prominently in Amazonian folklore.

Wildlife opportunities depend on the river reach, water levels and species. River-specific viewing months have not been confirmed; general species seasons are not a local sighting forecast.

These dolphins occupy freshwater rivers, tributaries, channels and lakes connected to the Amazon and Orinoco systems. In the Amazon, they occur in whitewater, blackwater and clearwater habitats. River junctions, bends and channel margins can provide productive feeding areas. During high water, they can enter flooded forests and floodplain habitats that are inaccessible in the dry season. As water recedes, their available habitat contracts toward permanent rivers and lakes.

Amazon river dolphins eat a wide variety of fish, including catfish, cichlids and characins. Their diet also includes some crustaceans and freshwater turtles. Front teeth grasp prey, while broader rear teeth help crush harder food items. Prey availability changes with the flood cycle, influencing where and how they feed.

Common name

Amazon River Dolphin

Scientific name

Inia geoffrensis

Animal group

Mammals

Size

Adults typically measure about 1.5 to 2.5 m long; males are larger than females.

Weight

Large adult males can weigh up to about 185 kg; females are substantially lighter.

Lifespan

Lifespan in the wild is poorly documented; captive individuals have lived for more than 40 years.

Status

Endangered (IUCN)

Identification

Look for a long, narrow beak, a rounded forehead, broad flippers and a low dorsal ridge rather than a tall dorsal fin. Young animals are generally gray, while adults range from gray to mottled pink or largely pink. Adult males are noticeably larger than females and often have pink scarring. Compared with the tucuxi, another Amazon dolphin, the boto is larger and has a longer beak and a much lower dorsal profile.