Endangered Animals: Dolphins

While dolphins aren't the first creatures many think of as endangered, there are in fact many dolphin species in danger of becoming extinct. This is largely due to over-fishing and habitat destruction. Dolphins are important to the ecosystem; therefore it is important both for the sake of the dolphin and for the environment that measures are taken to make sure they are protected.

  1. Indus River Dolphin

    • The freshwater Indus River dolphin, or "blind" dolphin, is a species found in the Indus River that flows through India, China and Pakistan. The fact that this dolphin is blind is not a deterrent to the dolphin's survival, as the Indus River is full of mud and clay, making any possible vision useless.

      With only about 1,000 still in existence, the Indus dolphin is on many endangered species lists, a title that is only three steps away from extinction. Pollution in the water, fisherman's nets, sandbars, hunting and poaching, the construction of dams, irrigation and oil have all contributed to the decline of this species. Organizations like the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) have become involved in rescuing trapped Indus River dolphins.

    Ganges River Dolphin

    • The Ganges River dolphin is found in South Asia, and there are fewer than 2,000 remaining. This species of dolphin is a sub-species of the South Asian River dolphin, the other sub-species being the Indus River dolphin. The Ganges dolphins are endangered due to pollution, river water removal and separation due to river dams.

    Hector's Dolphin

    • Hector's dolphin is a species found in New Zealand that has a population of fewer than 7,500. This dolphin is known to play with seaweed in shallow water and blow bubbles for fun. The dolphin's growing endangerment is due to the fishing industry in the area, and other disturbances such as boats and pollution.

      There are four distinct groups of this dolphin that reside around North and South Island. Measures have been taking to ensure the protection of the rounded dorsal-finned species by closing an area of the dolphins' range to outsiders and restricting fishing in the area. Awareness of the animal's protection is being raised by such organizations as WWF-New Zealand.

    Irrawaddy Dolphin

    • The Irrawaddy dolphin, found in Southeast Asia, has roughly 6,000 remaining. The dolphin has a short beak and rounded face, as opposed to a more traditional dolphin. The dolphin had been put into the critically endangered category due to fisheries, the use of explosives to catch fish, the catching of the dolphin for entertainment in aquatic zoos, and the loss of proper habitat due to dams and other construction.