PINK RIVER DOLPHIN
Brazil is a truly special country, where tourists can find one of the seven wonders of the world, the Christ the Redeemer Statue, as well as other amazing attractions such as Sugarloaf Mountain and the Maracanã Stadium. For nature lovers, our country provides the largest reforested urban forest in the world, the Tijuca Forest; as well as the Gávea Rock and Poço das Antas Biological Reserve, where the Golden Lion Tamarin is protected, a primate that can only be found in Brazil.
When we think that nothing else could surprise the foreign or Brazilian tourists, we come across another symbol of Brazilian fauna: the Pink Dolphin or Red Dolphin, the largest freshwater dolphin in the world! With up to 2.5 meters in length and 160 kg in weight, it belongs to the species ‘Inia Geoffrensis’. Despite the name, its coloration can vary from dark gray to bright pink, depending on the age and sex of the animal. Due to its ability to communicate through sounds, this kind of dolphin is one of the most studied in the world. This magnificent specimen of the Brazilian fauna can also be found in Bolivia, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. In Brazil, it can be found in the Amazon regions, more specifically in the following rivers: Amazonas, Madeira and Solimões.
But what is it that attracts so much people’s interest in this specimen of Brazilian fauna? Part of the interest is due to the pink coloration along the body and white spots around the eyes that make this animal unique and charming. Another aspect that arouses people’s interest and fascination is the legend of the Pink Dolphin, which tells us that at night, this river mammal transforms into a handsome man, emerging from the river waters to conquer the women who live in the communities near the rivers. So the dolphins, in the form of men, go to parties to dance and conquer the women. In some cases, the women fall in love and become pregnant by these men, who disappear into the rivers before dawn, after their conquest. This folklore legend from the northern region of Brazil has some variations, as one version claims that it transforms only during the full moon of June, in the festivities of Saint Peter, Saint Anthony and Saint John. Another version states that the animal transforms during any party in the riverside communities. After transforming into a man the Dolphin wears clothes, white shoes and a hat that covers the top of his head where the dolphin’s blowhole is located. He always seeks out the most beautiful woman, preferably a virgin. What`s your opinion about this legend?
Unfortunately, due to the degradation of its natural habitat, predatory fishing and river contamination, the Pink Dolphin is at risk of extinction. But, thanks to the actions of both government and non-governmental organizations, reserves and protected areas have been created for their protection, research and monitoring; and awareness programs for the population about the importance of preserving the Pink Dolphins natural habitat have been created, in order to promote the species’ propagation.
Pink Dolphins are curious and gentle creatures and they often approach boats and people, which makes Ecotourism a viable activity and provides unique experiences for humans, as well as sparking interest in environmental conservation. In this scenario, tourism represents a sustainable generator of revenue and income for the local residents, while also motivating sustainable practices in the use of natural resources, in order to maintain the tourism activity. Ecotourism allows tourists to observe Pink Dolphins in their natural habitat, stimulate scientific research in monitoring and even contribute to the protection of these species. Moreover, as these animals are an endangered species, responsible observation of these animals is necessary, respecting the reproduction and feeding periods of the Dolphins and avoiding disturbing or intervening in their natural behavior.
The Pink River Dolphin represents a treasure of Brazilian biodiversity, whose value must be protected for future generations. It is essential that everyone does their part in their defense and preservation, therefore Xperiencer Tour Brazil offers a tour to visit the golden lion tamarim in their natural habitat, providing unforgettable moments for nature lovers.
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