Dolphin Census Gives Hope to the Endangered Species

The Omacha Foundation, with the help of Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, Wildlife Conservation Society and WWF-Colombia, is leading a team of scientists in a survey of dolphins that has so far concluded that there are still more dolphins to add to some of the endangered species' population. In the 294-kilometer voyage down the Amazon, Javari, and Atacuari rivers in Brazil, Colombia and Peru 520 dolphins were counted, 321 grey and 199 pink.

"The river count showed that although the dolphins face various threats, such as pollution, they have been able to survive in the Amazon in Colombia," said Sauo Usma, WWF-Colombia's Freshwater Program Coordinator and added, "We have noticed a change in the places where they are found, rather than a change in the number of individuals."

Dolphins are considered to be one of the most intelligent animals and one of the most social and friendliest as well. Dolphin species can be as big as a whale, the killer whale is actually from the Delphinidae family, and as small as a small fish, there is a kind of dolphin that is blind and so small that you can pick them up in your hands. This mammal is very unique, each dolphin has its own signature whistle to identify itself. They are loved by many people. There are almost 40 species of dolphins, however scientists and dolphin lovers worry that the endangers species of dolphins will become extinct. Fishermen lessen their food source and pollution causes their environment to be unlivable.

The purpose of the survey was to gather data on one of the most endangered freshwater species in the world. This would allow a well thought out management and monitoring plan, as well as find out what the state of some of South America's largest rivers were.

In previous surveys in 2006 dolphins were spotted throughout the summer. In Venezuela 270 dolphins were recorded, 40 in Ecuador, 131 on Colombia's Meta River and in Peru 818 were seen. Another expedition is planned for Bolivia between May and June of 2007 and the team has high hopes of finding even more dolphins.

"Once we complete the Bolivian part of the survey, we will finally have dependable results on the state of river dolphin populations in the Orinoco and the Amazon basins," Usma reported, "More importantly, we will be able to consolidate the necessary resources to set in motion a conservation strategy for these iconic species."

To help save dolphins you can donate at www.bluevoice.org/donate.shtml.