Bolivia declared the Bolivian river dolphin part of its natural national heritage on Wednesday with a new law protecting the animal signed by President Evo Morales.
The freshwater dolphin, also known as the pink dolphin, isn’t believed to be in danger of extinction, but experts say it is threatened due to loss of habitat, over fishing and boat traffic in the Amazonian rivers it calls home.
Morales signed the decree at an event along with the Cultural Minister, Pablo Groux, aboard a river boat near the city of Trinidad, the capital of the north-eastern Beni department which is criss-crossed by tributaries of the Amazon River the dolphin habitats.
The Bolivian river dolphin is a considered by many to be a different species compared to the Amazon river dolphin, found in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela, making it uniquely Bolivian.
The pink dolphin is primarily found in the Mamore, Itenez and Abuna rivers and in the upper portion of the Madera River.
Morales called for their protection wherever they are found.
The Bolivian river dolphin can grow to 1.8 meters (5 feet 11 inches) and way 200 kilograms (440 pounds).
River dolphins in other parts of the world including Asia are in decline and considered endangered species.
