Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
pollution and increased stress and other possible negative effects on dolphin and other
wildlife populations.
Dams
The construction of dams is a direct threat to the bufeo populations due to habitat
fragmentation (IUCN, 2009) which influences movement and migration, resulting in isolated
populations, as has happened in Asian Rivers and the Brazilian Amazon (Reeves et al. 2000;
Reeves et al. 2003), and having a major impact on fish movement and migration, affecting the
food chain (Best & da Silva 1989). Currently, there is no official information in Bolivia to
build dams on the main rivers in the basins where bufeos are present. However, there are
plans to build two dams (Jirau and Santo Antonio) on the Madeira River in Brazil near the
border with Bolivia. While there is a lot of concern about the project by the Bolivian
scientific community, it seems it will proceed. The argument against the project is that this
dam might affect water levels (eventually flooding Bolivian territory and therefore affecting
the entire ecosystem), fish populations, migration, and several ecologic factors. Brazil
anticipates that the construction of channels will facilitate navigation between Porto Velho
and Guayaramerín which will allow boat traffic all year around. Furthermore, the construction
of a fish bypass will also allow dolphins to pass the rapids with unknown consequences for
the isolated
I. boliviensis
and therefore, the construction of this dam might constitute a direct
threat for this population. To date, there is no further information about this construction, and
the studies and controversy continue.
Traditions, Myths and Local Use
Traditional myths and legends in Bolivia related to bufeo are rare and relatively
unknown, as is the case in Colombia and Peru. For example, some indigenous communities in
Bolivia, such as the Itonamas or Baurenses believe that the bufeos were people that were
punished by gods by converting them into animals (Ribera 2000). Other groups believe that
bufeos transform themselves into humans and seduce young woman in the surrounding
villages (Yañez 1999). However, most of the beliefs are simply erroneous perceptions, such
as dolphins come out of the water to reproduce; they can have up to 5 neonates at the same
time or that they have similar mammary glands (breasts) and reproductive organs as humans.
These particular beliefs do not result in respect for or fear of dolphins, as do beliefs common
in neighboring countries.
The indigenous group ―the Yuracar￩‖, located on the central Mamore, occasionally hunt
for subsistence commerce and consume dolphin meat. There are no registers of the number of
dolphins killed by the Yuracaré. However, in general, the dolphin meat is considered too
greasy and smelly for regular consumption (I. Soria; N. Chavez, com. pers.2006). In the north
of the country (Costa Marquez) people believe that the meat is unhealthy and even poisonous
(Anderson 1997). People in several villages along the rivers and also in the main towns agree
that the fat can be used as a very effective traditional medicine to cure respiratory problems
(tuberculosis) and some lung infections. In the local market of Riberalta, they sell bufeo teeth
valued as good luck charms or as sexual attractors. There are some indigenous witches who
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