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International Freshwater Dolphins Day


Know about Dolphins ?

Dolphins are highly intelligent marine mammals and are part of the family of toothed whales that includes orcas and pilot whales.

They are found worldwide, mostly in shallow seas of the continental shelves, and are carnivores, mostly eating fish and squid. Dolphin coloration varies, but they are generally gray in color with darker backs than the rest of their bodies.


Significance of this day


To raise awareness for the conservation of these iconic creatures of the rivers, the 24th of October has been designated as International Freshwater Dolphin Day.

The day was declared at the East Kalimantan, Indonesia in October 2009, through the initiative of IUCN SSC Cetacean Group and WWF. Now the International Freshwater Dolphin Day is celebrated across the world.


Different types of Dolphins


Common Bottlenose Dolphin



The Common Bottlenose Dolphin is the most well-known dolphin species that perform in many aquarium shows around the globe.

They are found all over the world in tropical oceans and other warm waters.Bottlenoses are intelligent and charismatic and considered one of the smartest animals in the world.They also have a special skill called echolocation, making them able to communicate with their pod mates and track their prey from miles away.

Dusky Dolphin



Dusky Dolphins are known as the acrobats of the sea because of their impressive jumps and dives. They are found in coastal waters all over the Southern Hemisphere, with larger populations around South America, Africa, and New Zealand. Scientists have named Dusky Dolphins the most active dolphin species, but they are not born with their aeronautic tricks.



ORCA



It is known as the Killer Whale, the Orca is actually the largest dolphin species. It is found in every ocean across the globe, from tropical waters to Antarctica.Male orcas are usually 20-26 feet long, and they can weigh 3-4 tons. The most social group of orcas live in the Northern Pacific, in matriarchal pods where families live together for generations.


Long-finned Pilot Whale



The Long-finned Pilot Whale is the second-largest dolphin species after the Orca, and it measures over 22 feet in length and over 2,000 pounds. Long-finned Pilot Whales are one of the most social dolphins, especially when it comes to socializing with others.


PLACES WHERE DOLPHINS ARE FOUND

Orcas and long-finned pilot whales can be found in both the Arctic and Antarctic.Several species may also be found in colder waters, such as white-beaked dolphins (arctic) and hourglass dolphins (antarctic), but most dolphins stays in tropical and temperate waters as they are warm-blooded mammals and so it is easier for them to regulate their body temperature in these environments. Spinner dolphins and spotted dolphins are two such species that may be encountered in warm waters.

The northern and southern right whale dolphins are species that prefer to live in offshore waters.


FACTS

1. They have unique names just like us.

2. Dolphins form deep social connections.

3. Dolphins must surface to breathe.

4. Dolphins sleep with only half of their brain.

5. The killer whale is the largest species of dolphin.

6. Dolphins have larger brains than humans.

7. Dolphins have happy appearance but they aren’t smiling.


Conclusion

As climate change causes the seas and oceans to warm, dolphins are being seen more frequently in colder waters outside their historic ranges. Due to rapidly rising ocean temperatures, dolphins’ primary food sources are seeking deeper, cooler waters. Scientists are concerned that dolphins will have difficulty adapting as quickly as necessary to find new feeding grounds to sustain their populations. Some dolphins that live in areas where rivers and oceans meet, known as brackish waters, are also losing habitat as ocean levels rise due to global warming.



References






Written BY :

Chandrika Bagri - BA program

Devangana Jain- BA Hons (Philosophy)






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