New species of river dolphin discovered in Brazil.

Scientists have discovered the first new species of river dolphin in 100 years.

The newly discovered river dolphin species has been named Araguaia, after the river in which it was found in Brazil. This is the fifth species of river dolphin discovered in the world. Scientists estimate that there are currently around 1,000 Araguaia dolphins living in the river that shares their name.

A newly discovered species of Araguaia river dolphin.

River dolphins are extremely rare. Of the five recorded species of river dolphins, three are critically endangered, and scientists believe the Araguaia dolphin should be added to this list.

Dr. Tomas Hrbek, from the University of Amazonas (Brazil), said: “Araguaian dolphins are found in areas where people regularly see them. But they don’t really know they are large mammals.”

Unlike other marine dolphins, the Araguaia river dolphin has a long snout that helps it hunt fish in the mud at the bottom of the river. Its closest relative is the Amazonian dolphin, or pink dolphin, which is considered the most intelligent type of river dolphin.

Scientists say there are some differences in the number of teeth and they suspect that Araguaia river dolphins are smaller than Amazon river dolphins, but the basis for detecting the differences between them lies in their genetic makeup.

Dr. Hrbek said that river dolphins are facing danger because they are in conflict with local fishermen. The dolphins eat a lot of small fish. They often break fishing nets, so the locals dislike them and shoot them.

According to vietnamnet