Environmental factors:
* Pollution: Pollution from oil spills, plastic waste, and chemical runoff can harm their health and habitat.
* Noise: Loud noises from boats, sonar, and other human activities can disorient and stress dolphins.
* Overfishing: Depletion of their food sources makes it difficult for them to survive.
* Habitat destruction: Loss of coastal areas and estuaries due to development and coastal erosion impacts their home.
* Climate change: Rising sea temperatures and ocean acidification can affect their prey and overall ecosystem.
Interactions with humans:
* Being disturbed or harassed: Dolphins are naturally curious, but they need space and should not be approached or touched.
* Being captured and kept in captivity: While some dolphins may seem to adapt to captivity, it is a highly unnatural environment that can lead to stress and health problems.
* Being injured or killed by fishing gear: Dolphins can get entangled in fishing nets, leading to injury or death.
Other factors:
* Lack of food: Like all animals, dolphins need enough food to survive.
* Stressful social interactions: Dolphins are social animals and can experience stress from conflicts with other dolphins.
* Disease and parasites: Dolphins are susceptible to various diseases and parasites, which can weaken them.
It's essential to show respect and care for dolphins and their environment. If you encounter a dolphin in the wild, observe from a distance, avoid making loud noises, and never attempt to touch or feed them.