The Amazon river dolphin belongs to the endangered dolphin species and is classified as “endangered” in the IUCN Red List. Exact figures on the total population are not available, but estimates put the number at several tens of thousands of individuals, which, however, are distributed very differently from region to region. The proximity of humans and the dolphins living in the rivers brings many risks for the animals. As competitors for food, they are pursued by fishermen, they get caught in nets as bycatch or are deliberately caught and cut into pieces to be used as bait for fishing. The destruction of the habitat by dam construction or by deforestation and the resulting increase in mud input also makes it difficult for the river dolphins. Also, the increasing pollution with oil and mercury by gold mining leaves obvious traces.
Oil is drilled in Yasuni National Park. By 2021, there were 16 sites. A few years ago, a pipeline leak caused serious pollution of the surrounding waters. Food sources and drinking water supplies for humans and animals were poisoned. In 2021, two dead dolphins were found in the Rio Cocaya, not far from our lodge. Why they died is not entirely clear. There were investigations, but the oil companies denied any guilt, because, after all the dolphins are moving, and they could have suffered poisoning even in distant places.
The area between Rio Napo and Rio Yasuni is said to have only about 16 Amazon river dolphins left.