Franciscana Dolphin: Pontoporiidae - Physical Characteristics, Diet, Behavior And Reproduction, Conservation Status - GEOGRAPHIC RANGE, HABITAT, FRANCISCANA DOLPHINS AND PEOPLE
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Franciscana dolphins are found in the Atlantic Ocean along the coasts of Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina in South America. Their northern boundary is near Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and their southern boundary is the Valdes Peninsula in Argentina. Their distribution within this range is uneven. In some places they are rare or absent, and in others they are more common.
Franciscana dolphins are usually found within 33 miles (53 kilometers) of shore in waters no more than 30 feet (10 meters) deep. Often they are found in muddy, murky water with poor visibility. They seem to prefer estuaries, which are places where rivers empty into the ocean and fresh water mixes with salt water.
Franciscana dolphins are shy and rarely intentionally interact with people. However, these dolphins are sometimes caught in fishing nets. In these cases, their oil is used in tanning leather, and their flesh is used as pig feed or shark bait.
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Franciscana dolphins are also called La Plata dolphins, because the first described specimen, or animal, came from the mouth of La Plata River, Uruguay, in 1884. These dolphins are considered river dolphins, even though they live in the ocean near the shoreline. Originally scientists thought that the franciscana dolphin moved from fresh water to salt water during its lifetime, but now they know th…
Franciscana dolphins usually swim alone or in small groups. Several dolphins may cooperate when feeding. They will swim
The franciscana dolphin is called a river dolphin, but it spends its life in the ocean. (Illustration by Barbara Duperron. Reproduced by permission.)
in a tight circle, surrounding the fish and pushing them together. Franciscana dolphins are very quiet and shy at the surfa…
The wild population of franciscana dolphins is unknown. Because of this, they are given a Data Deficient conservation status. However, it is estimated that up to 1,500 of these animals are drowned every year by becoming tangled in gillnets and other fishing gear. Scientists believe that as a result, the wild population is decreasing. In addition, because these dolphins live close to shore, they ar…
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