Researchers have identified a new species of river dolphin in the Bolivian Amazon.
Locally known as bufeo, the Bolivian river dolphin (Inia boliviensis) is smaller and lighter in colour than the Amazon pink river dolphin (Inia geoffrensis) found widely in the Amazon and Orinoco rivers.
Found in remote parts of the Bolivian Amazon, the researchers said, the dolphin is threatened by pollution and fishing practices. The government of Bolivia has declared the dolphin as the countrys natural heritage.
The designation highlights the value placed on conservation of the species and the freshwater ecosystems in the Beni province of northeastern Bolivia where it lives.
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