River dolphins
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River dolphins

Amazon river dolphinRiver dolphins are amongst the most endangered mammals in the world. They are found in South America and Asia where large and increasing human populations are leading to dramatic deteriorations in the river ecosystems where they live.

The only cetacean species in recent years to have gone extinct is the baiji or Yangzte river dolphin. The other surviving species include the Amazon river dolphin, Ganges river dolphin and Indus river dolphin, as well as the Franciscana dolphin and Irrawaddy dolphin.

WDCS has funded river dolphin conservation projects in many developing countries where the dolphins live and continues to support ground-breaking initiatives to help the animals, the wider ecosystem and local communities that live alongside the animals.

Ganges river dolphinIntroduction To River Dolphins
Most whales and dolphins live in the sea. But there is a small, unusual group that live in fresh water. They live in some of the largest, muddiest rivers on earth - the river dolphins.
Natutama Centre © Sarita KendallAmazon River Dolphins - Natutama Foundation
WDCS is a founding supporter of the Natütama Foundation. Now in its 6th year of operation, this non-government organisation (ngo) is located in Puerto Narińo, a large village in the Colombian Amazon.
Sotalia dolphin © Fernando TrujilloAmazon River Dolphins - Omacha Foundation
For almost 20 years, WDCS has supported the work of Dr Fernando Trujillo and the Omacha Foundation in Colombia to study and conserve South American river dolphins.
Bolivian river dolphin © Fernando TrujilloFaunagua
Bolivia has its very own river dolphin, it is the only cetacean found in Bolivia which is a land-locked country. WDCS is supporting the local NGO, Faunagua.