Bolivian River Dolphin

The Bolivian river dolphin, or Inia boliviensis, is one of four freshwater river dolphin species in South America. Locally known as bufeos, it is found in some rivers in the Upper Madeira Basin of the Bolivian Amazon. The Bolivian river dolphins are separated from the Amazonian River Dolphins by a series of rapids and falls. The pink river dolphin is the largest freshwater dolphin in the world. It can reach up to 2.8 metres (9.2 ft) long and weigh as much as 180 kilograms (400 lb). Compared to its cousin, the Amazonian river dolphin (Inia geoffrensis), the Bolivian river dolphin has more teeth, a smaller skull, and a longer body.

Bolivian river dolphins are elusive and difficult to observe, as they typically swim below the surface.

In August 2021, a research team observed two sexually aroused juvenile male dolphins near the Tijamuchi River playing with a Beni anaconda (Eunectes beniensis).

Necropsies have shown the Bolivian river dolphin diet includes a variety of different species of fish, as well as crabs. In the necropsy of a juvenile dolphin, multiple different species of fish from at least 4 different families were found in its stomach contents. It is also worth noting that none of the species present in this particular juvenile's stomach were target species for fisheries.

The dolphins are difficult to observe in the murky river water. However, in April 2022, three ecologists published photographs of Bolivian river dolphins play with a large (presumably dead) Beni Anaconda snake.

The Amazon river dolphin, Inia geoffrensis, is classified as endangered by the IUCN Red List. The Bolivian river dolphin faces a multitude of threats. Overfishing, deforestation, and hydroelectric construction are all major factors in the current population decline. Fisheries also pose a threat to the dolphins, for fishermen might see the dolphins as competition for fish. Deceased dolphins have been noted to have wounds from nets, as well as cuts and mutilation most likely caused by humans. River dolphins are some of the most at-risk marine animals worldwide due to their limited habitats and threats from land.