For the first time, countries are committing to collective action to save river dolphins

River dolphins are extraordinary. As apex predators, they are the icons of some of the world’s greatest river systems. But all six remaining species are facing extinction, while a seventh species, the Chinese river dolphin or baiji, was declared extinct in 2007.

Since the 1980s, river dolphin populations have plummeted by 73% due to a barrage of threats. The recent deaths of over 150 river dolphins in the Amazon’s drought-ravaged Lake Tefé show that climate change is becoming an increasingly severe threat to their survival.

Last year, for the first time, countries are committing to collective action to save river dolphins: the landmark Global Declaration for River Dolphins. 

This Global Declaration “roadmap” not only created hope for the endangered river dolphins but also for the world’s most important rivers, including the Amazon and Orinoco in South America, which are relied on by indigenous people and local communities in remote areas to the residents of megacities. 

“Inspiring conservation efforts at local and national levels have yielded some incredible results, but progress is limited and the threats remain vast. This is why the Declaration is vital: we need collective global efforts to ensure the long-term survival of all six river dolphin species,” said Daphne Willems, WWF Lead River Dolphin Rivers initiative.

Tap the link to learn more about great WWF´s conservation actions over the past year.


WWF in 2023: A year of conservation action
https://wwf.panda.org/?10611966/WWF-in-2023-A-year-of-conservation-action
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