Are Dolphins Endangered: An Easy to Understand Explanation
Are dolphins endangered? This question has become a popular one lately with the recent successes of many dolphin breeding programs that have taken place throughout the world in zoos and dolphin habitats. In addition to this, many people still confuse dolphins with porpoises. Taking all of this into consideration, it is easy to see why many people may feel puzzled in regards to dolphins and their status on the endangered species list.
Dolphin or Porpoise?
Although frequently confused with one another, there are many differences between dolphins and porpoises. Dolphins and porpoises behave quite differently when they encounter human beings. Dolphins tend to be more playful and social with humans, likely to interact with swimmers and play in the wakes of boats. Porpoises, on the other hand, prefer to keep their distance and rarely jump out of the water near boats and humans.
Porpoises also live mainly in coastal waters in northern latitudes. They are frequently found in the waters surrounding Canada, Japan, and Europe. They will occasionally enter freshwater rivers, but they do not stay there for long.
Dolphins, however, are found in both northern and southern latitudes, primarily in the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific oceans. Some species also live exclusively in freshwater rivers, like the South American pink dolphin.
As for physical differences, dolphins are generally larger creatures and have tapered bodies, while porpoises are smaller and rounder. Porpoises also have a short, rounded point for a snout, while dolphins have a prominent beak.
Differences abound in their teeth and dorsal fins as well. Dolphins’ teeth are sharper looking, and cone-shaped, but porpoise teeth are flatter. Dolphins also have a taller dorsal fin that is more pointed and curves back; porpoises have a smaller triangle shaped fin.
It is important to be able to tell the difference between these two types of animals, as they are commonly misrepresented and can easily confuse people that are trying to make a difference in the futures of endangered animals.
Endangered Dolphins
Now that you can differentiate between dolphins and porpoises, the question “Are dolphins endangered?” can be readdressed. Of the 32 different dolphin species throughout the world, two are considered to be highly endangered, and another two are considered to be vulnerable.
The Baiji, or Yangtze River dolphin is the most endangered cetacean. It lives in the Yangtze River in China and because of the river pollution, industrialization resulting in destruction of the habitat, fishing, and hunting only five of these dolphins have been accounted for. It is not likely that a breeding program would be possible, since this is a freshwater river dwelling species and not much is known about it. If it were popular to breed this creature there would be no natural habitat to return it to afterwards, given the unsavory and deplorable state of the Yangtze River.
The Indus River dolphin is also on the brink of extinction, though not quite to the degree of the Baiji. The Indus River dolphin is a freshwater river dolphin that lives in India and closely resembles the Ganges River dolphin. This species of dolphin also has man to thank for the destruction of its home. Damns have been built to provide hydroelectric power to India, but unfortunately, this has separated clusters into completely different stocks, preventing intermixing, socializing, proper breeding, and limits their ability to hunt. Researchers have had much difficulty in establishing a successful rescue plan for this species as well, due to a lack of knowledge of the biology of this creature.
Yes, some dolphins are endangered. Some are vulnerable. The better question, however, is “Why are dolphins endangered?” If you would like to know more, check online for dolphin habitats and rescue operations. Volunteers are always welcome, as are donations.