Conservation of the river dolphin (Inia boliviensis) in Bolivia

The pink river dolphin genus Inia, is widely distributed in the Orinoco and Amazon basins. Locally called the bufeo (Inia boliviensis) in Bolivia, it is an endemic species to the region, geographically isolated from Inia populations within the Amazon's main stem by a series of rapids between Guayaramerin, Bolivia and Porto Velho, Brazil. In Bolivia, they are distributed in three main sub-basins: Abuna, Mamore and Itenes (Guapore). Despite bufeo being a native species and the only cetacean present in a land-locked country, its ecology and conservation status are poorly understood. Unfortunately, no conservation laws explicitly target this cetacean in Bolivia and consequently it only receives relatively minor legal protection when it resides in protected conservation areas. This chapter includes information on the studies that have been conducted in Bolivia; the conservation status; aspects related to the geographic distribution of the species, its behavior, ecology, population size, threats and possible means of protection. This information will lead to recommendations for the implementation of priorities in research programs and conservation for this species in Bolivia.