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Pink
River Dolphin or Boto
(Inia geoffrensis)
The Boto or pink river dolphin is the largest
of the river dolphins. Adults can reach a length between 1.8 to 2.5 m and
a maximum weight of 160 kg. Its body colour varies according to age, water
clarity and location. Dominant coloration is pink to bluish gray. Botos
possess only small eyes, long beak and a hump instead of a fin. They are
slow swimmers and may make small leaps. Due to the flexible neck and flippers
botos are very well adapted to life in flooded forests. Botos can be seen
in the main rivers of the Amazonas and Orinoco Basin. According to the
IUCN Red Data Book the Boto is classified as vulnerable. Main threats are:
deforestation, water pollution and in some areas direct kills. |
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