Dolphins are mammals which have approximately twenty-four species. Most of these inhabit the sea and only 4 species are found in river waters. These mammals are docile and friendly. Being a part of the food chain makes them preys to certain marine animals.
Smaller the size, greater are the chances of being preyed. The enemies of dolphins are bigger living forms, as in the case of most animals. Dolphins are fairly big in size. The adult dolphin in most species weighs approximately 250 pounds and measure 6 to 8 meters in length. Consequently, marine animals bigger than them or more aggressive than them like the sharks and killer whales are the threats to their lives.
The pink dolphins reside in the fresh waters of the Amazon River and its tributaries. Since the sharks and killer Whales reside only in sea waters, these dolphins practically have no threat from other marine animals found in fresh waters.
But man who is the destroyer of most of the creations in the environment for his own personal requirements is the only threat to the dolphins as well. We have destroyed the habitat of the dolphins by constructing dams and by continuous deforestation. The river basins are rich in different varieties of fish which fishermen hunt aggressively. They lay nets practically all over the water surface; thus causing dolphins to get entangled. In order to prevent loss of these fish as part of the food chain of the dolphins, fishermen intentionally hunt dolphins too.
In case of natural predators, animals make use of certain defense mechanisms which gives them a fair chance of survival like fight and flight. Unfortunately, they do not have any against the conniving humans.
In order to fight for survival, dolphins try to make use of their abilities. Their eyes look small, but are big enough to have a clear and long distance view to sight danger. In order to overcome the shortcoming of being unable to look downwards due to their bulging cheeks, they swim upside down. They effectively utilize the sonar especially in murky waters to detect danger. The flexibility of its neck is utilized well in turning sideways to watch for danger. They are gifted with sensory bristles on their beaks which enable them to detect food in river beds.
The otherwise slow moving dolphin has the capability to burst in to high speeds of up to 23 kilometers per hour for flight. Its flexibility enables it to maneuver amongst trees inundated by the river water and in shallow areas as well.
More Articles :
- Facts About Pink Dolphin
- How Do Pink Dolphins Protect Themselves ?
- What Are The Pink Dolphins Enemies ?
- What Is The Pink Dolphins Food Chain ?
- Where Are Pink Dolphins Located ?
Animal Info: Boto (Amazon River Dolphin)
https://www.animalinfo.org/species/cetacean/iniageof.htm
Pink dolphins are one of the friendliest species of dolphins found. They are intelligent with a 40 percent bigger brain capacity compared to humans, and are known for saving people from drowning by pushing them back to the shores. However, due to urbanization, economic development, and noise and water pollution, research shows a significant decline in their numbers. Unfortunately, the only enemies that these beautiful and friendly creatures have are the humans and human interference with their natural habitat.