There are only five extant species of river dolphins left in the world today and they are all endangered or critically endangered. This is because pollution, dams, shipping and bycatch have taken their toll on this iconic species.

Why are dolphins extinct?

There are only five extant species of river dolphins left in the world today and they are all endangered or critically endangered. This is because pollution, dams, shipping and bycatch have taken their toll on this iconic species.

What impact do dolphins have on the environment?

Dolphins play an important role in keeping their environment in balance. They eat other animals – mainly fish and squid – and are themselves a source of food for some sharks and other creatures. Without dolphins, the animals they prey on would increase in number, and their predators wouldn’t have as much to eat.

How has deforestation affected animals?

Deforestation affects animals in many ways. It causes habitat destruction, increased risk of predation, reduced food availability, and much more. As a result, some animals lose their homes, others lose food sources – and finally, many lose their lives. In fact, deforestation is one of the main causes of extinction.

What problems do dolphins face?

Threats and Challenges Two of the biggest issues are entanglement in fishing gear and nets, and pollution. Dolphins often pursue the same fish species that commercial fishing ships are hunting and may get accidentally caught in their nets.

How does killing dolphins affect the ecosystem?

As the Peruvian ecology group Mundo Azule points out, dolphins are sanitary police of the ocean and killing them results in more disease and lower fish populations.

How many animals are affected by deforestation?

The planet is losing an estimated 137 species of plants, animals and insects every day due to deforestation, according to the World Animal Foundation. Here are four important species at risk of extinction, each in a region heavily affected by deforestation.

What is harming dolphins?

Human-related threats known to bottlenose dolphins include entanglement in recreational and commercial fishing gear, illegal feeding, activities causing harassment, boat strikes, marine debris impacts, and chemical contaminants.

How does deforestation affect animals?

Deforestation affects animals in many ways. It causes habitat destruction, increased risk of predation, reduced food availability, and much more. As a result, some animals lose their homes, others lose food sources – and finally, many lose their lives. In fact, deforestation is one of the main causes of extinction.

What is an example of deforestation affecting biodiversity?

A perfect example of such an animal is the endangered Phillipine Tarsier. When deforestation occurs in these areas the plant and animal species are unable to move or adapt to a new region, almost always causing their extinction. How does deforestation affect biodiversity overall?

Why has the number of animals on Earth decreased?

The number of wild animals on Earth has reduced by over two-thirds over the last 50 years, according to the Living Planet Report 2020. Deforestation, driven by a desire to use the land for agriculture, was the biggest cause of falling animal populations, the WWF and Zoological Society of London found.2

What are the threats to the Ganges river dolphin?

The Ganges River dolphin lives in one of the world’s most densely populated areas, and is threatened by removal of river water and siltation arising from deforestation, pollution and entanglement in fisheries nets.