The Bolivian river dolphin (Inia boliviensis) is one of four freshwater river dolphin species in South America. Locally known as bufeo, the Bolivian river dolphin was briefly thought to be a subspecies (as I. geoffrensis boliviensis) of the Amazonian river dolphin but differences in body structure and the isolation of the Bolivian river dolphin led to it being classified as its own species in 2012.
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CarnivoreA carnivore meaning 'meat eater' is an organism that derives its energy and nutrient requirements from a diet consisting mainly or exclusively of a...
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PiscivoresA piscivore is a carnivorous animal that eats primarily fish. Piscivorous is equivalent to the Greek-derived word ichthyophagous. Fish were the die...
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ViviparousAmong animals, viviparity is the development of the embryo inside the body of the parent. The term 'viviparity' and its adjective form 'viviparous'...
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PrecocialPrecocial species are those in which the young are relatively mature and mobile from the moment of birth or hatching. Precocial species are normall...
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NatatorialNatatorial animals are those adapted for swimming. Some fish use their pectoral fins as the primary means of locomotion, sometimes termed labriform...
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AquaticAn aquatic animal is an animal, either vertebrate or invertebrate, which lives in water for most or all of its life. It may breathe air or extract ...
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starts withCompared to its cousin, the Amazonian river dolphin, the Bolivian river dolphin has more teeth, a smaller skull, and a longer body. Its skin is grayish-pink in color and it is slightly smaller than the Amazon river dolphin.
Bolivian river dolphins are found in some rivers in the Upper Madeira Basin of the Bolivian Amazon.
Bolivian river dolphins are elusive and difficult to observe in the murky water, as they typically swim below the surface.
Bolivian river dolphins are carnivores (piscivores). Their diet includes a variety of different species of fish, as well as crabs.
Little is known about the mating system and reproductive behavior of Bolivian river dolphins.
Bolivian river dolphins are threatened by overfishing, deforestation, and hydroelectric construction. Fisheries also pose a threat to the dolphins, for fishermen might see the dolphins as competition for fish. Deceased dolphins have been noted to have wounds from nets, as well as cuts and mutilation most likely caused by humans. River dolphins are some of the most at-risk marine animals worldwide due to their limited habitats and threats from land.
The total population size of the Bolivian river dolphin is unknown. Presently, this species is not included in the IUCN Red List and its conservation status has not been evaluated.
