International Fresh Water Dolphin Day – October 24
International Fresh Water Dolphin Day – October 24
The 24th October is International Freshwater Dolphin Day.
Freshwater cetaceans include some of the world’s most highly adapted and critically endangered mammals. Five of the seven currently recognized cetacean species that are either obligate inhabitants of fresh water, or have freshwater geographical populations, occur in Asia. The other two species (with several subspecies) are found in the River basins of South America.
Freshwater dolphins are carnivores. Their diet usually consists of freshwater crustaceans, freshwater fish and crabs.
River dolphins are relatively small compared to other dolphins, having evolved to survive in warm, shallow water and strong river currents. They range in size from the 1.5 m long South Asian river dolphin to the 2.4 m and 100 kg Amazon River dolphin. Males are larger than the females. Dolphins use their conical shaped teeth and long beaks to capture fast moving prey in murky water. They have well developed hearing that is adapted for both air and water; they do not really rely on vision since the water they swim in is usually very muddy.
The threats of the Fresh water Dolphins are Fisheries bycatch, pollution, entrapment in irrigation canals.
– Source: Internet-