Problem
Threatened species of Inia geoffrensis
Other Names:
Endangered secies of BoutoThreatened species of Boto
Endangered species of Amazon dolphin
Nature:
The influx of people into the Amazon is having a profound effect on the Boutu. Increased commercial fishing with nylon nets where they drown "accidentally". Nets left by careless fishermen are traps which claim many dolphin lives each year. Hydroelectric power stations are causing changes in fish concentrations and the isolation of dolphin populations within river systems. Pollution from urban and industrial waste, farm chemicals and deforestation have also become a huge threat. River traffic transporting toxic chemicals and oil has increased the risk of devastating spills. Large quantities of mercury are used in the extraction of gold from open cut mining operations which are prolific throughout Amazonia. The effects of heavy metal pollution such as mercury devistates all levels of the food chain consequently the Boutu, a large mammal at the top of food chain, is in serious danger. There are few restrictions concerning pollution controls in the Amazonian frontier. Ones that do exist experience little enforcement by the governments. Subject(s):
Birds, Mammals → Marine mammalsSocietal Problems → Endangered species
Related UN Sustainable Development Goals:
Problem Type:
E: Emanations of other problems Date of last update
24.09.2020 – 00:52 CEST