description La Plata Dolphin Overview
The La Plata dolphin, Pontoporia blainvillei, is a small cetacean commonly called the franciscana. It inhabits coastal waters, estuaries, and river-influenced marine environments along the Atlantic coast of South America, from Brazil through Uruguay to Argentina. It is the only living member of the family Pontoporiidae and is recognized as a vulnerable species because of threats associated with fishing and coastal activity.
help La Plata Dolphin FAQ
What is the La Plata dolphin called scientifically?
The La Plata dolphin is Pontoporia blainvillei, commonly called the franciscana. It is a small cetacean of the Atlantic coast of South America.
Where does the La Plata dolphin live?
Its range extends from Brazil through Uruguay to Argentina. It uses coastal waters, estuaries, and river-influenced marine environments.
Is the La Plata dolphin a freshwater river dolphin?
No, it is a coastal dolphin that also uses estuaries and river-influenced marine habitats. The name La Plata can suggest a river species, but its range follows the Atlantic coast of South America.
What is unusual about Pontoporia blainvillei?
It is the only living member of the genus Pontoporia. The species is also notable for living in coastal and estuarine environments from Brazil to Argentina.
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