Here's a breakdown:
* Globally: Bottlenose dolphins are classified as "Least Concern" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This means they are relatively abundant and not facing an immediate threat of extinction.
* Regional Variations: Some bottlenose dolphin populations face significant threats and are listed as "Vulnerable" or "Endangered" in specific regions. For example:
* Eastern North Atlantic: The eastern North Atlantic population is listed as "Endangered" due to factors like bycatch in fisheries, habitat degradation, and pollution.
* Indo-Pacific: The Indo-Pacific population is listed as "Vulnerable" due to threats such as entanglement in fishing gear, coastal development, and pollution.
Overall, while bottlenose dolphins are not endangered globally, many populations face significant challenges. It's crucial to continue monitoring their status and implementing conservation measures to protect these intelligent and valuable creatures.