Decoding the mystery of the pink dolphin

To protect pink dolphins, the world's largest river dolphin species, scientists are working to decode the mysteries of their lives and habitats against the effects of climate change and humans.

Fishermen who once caught the rare pink river dolphin (also known as the Boto dolphin, Amazonian wild dolphin) are working with researchers in the Bolivian Amazon jungle in a high-tech effort to ensure the species' survival and better understand its needs.

Satellite technology allows fishermen and scientists to track the journey and living habits of red river dolphins.

Scientists from the global environmental group WWF and the Bolivian NGO Faunagua recently tagged four freshwater dolphins in the Ichilo River using satellite technology that allows fishermen to use a mobile phone app to report their locations.

“They (the fishermen) hunted dolphins for different purposes,” said Paul Van Damme, of Faunagua. “Now we are raising awareness and making them our partners in the study of the pink river dolphin.”

Information about the habits, diet and migration of pink dolphins will be used to protect the species.

Despite the iconic status of river dolphins, little is known about their populations and habitats, according to WWF. Fishermen who regularly cross the river provide scientists with information about what the dolphins eat, how far they migrate, and clues about the threats they face.

Lila Sainz, head of WWF Bolivia, they gave fishermen a new look at the animal they have hunted for years.

“ Anything that affects dolphins affects humans , who also use those resources,” Sainz said. “So if dolphins are doing well, it means that humans are doing well.”

The pink river dolphin (Amazon dolphin, Boto dolphin) is the world's largest and rarest freshwater dolphin.

Bolivia's vast Amazon rainforest is a vital habitat for many species, from dolphins to birds and jaguars, whose existence is threatened by deforestation, dams, wildfires and development.

Why are Amazon river dolphins pink?

Amazon river dolphins have a distinct skin color and appearance compared to other dolphin species. The exact reason for this is not fully understood, but it is thought to be due to a combination of genetic, dietary, and environmental factors.

One possible explanation for the pink coloration in these dolphins is that their diet is rich in carotenoids – organic pigments found in the fish and crustaceans they eat. Carotenoids are known to contribute to the pink or orange coloration of some birds (like flamingos), fish, and reptiles, so it is possible that the same mechanism is responsible for the pink coloration in dolphins.

"This freshwater dolphin is the largest living river dolphin on the planet. They are born grey and the pink colour gradually appears as they mature. Their final colour will be influenced by many things, including their behaviour, diet and how close their capillaries are to their skin," explains biologist and author Helen Pilcher.

Additionally, a combination of genetics and environmental factors may play a role. Some studies suggest that the pink color may be related to the thickness of the skin, which may affect the amount of blood flowing through the skin. It is also possible that hormones, stress, or other factors may play a role in the color of the Amazon river dolphin.

Scientists from the global environmental group WWF and the Bolivian NGO Faunagua recently tagged four freshwater dolphins in the Ichilo River using satellite technology that allows fishermen to use a mobile phone app to report their locations.

“They (the fishermen) hunted dolphins for different purposes,” said Paul Van Damme, of Faunagua. “Now we are raising awareness and making them our partners in the study of the pink river dolphin.”