Now, joining us today we have wildlife photographer and conservationist Matt Hobson.0:07
Matt has been working in the Amazon River recently and has taken extraordinary photos of pink river dolphins.0:13
Tell us a bit about these dolphins, Matt.0:20
Well, they're strange-looking creatures with long beaks and huge flippers.0:23
All other dolphins have a dorsal fin on their backs, but the pink river dolphin has a hump.0:27
Its unique color is due to blood flow beneath the skin, which can change when the dolphin is excited.0:32
What was it like taking photographs of them?0:39
It was pretty challenging.0:42
To shoot them, we had to swim in the Amazon River and try to get as close as possible to them.0:43
Although the water was warm, it was incredibly cloudy.0:48
It was difficult to see through the water, so not the best conditions for taking photographs.0:51
Were the dolphins friendly though?0:55
Actually, pink dolphins are the friendliest of all the river dolphins.0:58
They enjoyed human contact and kept bumping into us.1:01
It wasn't until we fed them some fish that they calmed down enough to photograph.1:04
Sounds like a lot of fun!1:08
Now, I understand that these beautiful mammals are actually at risk.1:11
Well, they used to be one of the least threatened species of dolphins, but now they are an endangered species.1:16
The pink dolphin is actually one of only 5 species of river dolphins left in the world.1:22
It's estimated that their numbers are falling by about 10% each year.1:27
So what's causing their decline?1:32
It's mostly due to pollution.1:34
The Amazon River has become increasingly polluted by mercury from gold mines.1:36
This makes the water highly poisonous to all the animals that live there, as well as to the native people.1:40
That is a serious issue.1:46
Is there anything else that is endangering these dolphins?1:48
Well, another major problem is loss of habitat.1:51
Numerous dams have been installed along the river.1:54
This means that dolphins are unable to reach the food that they require.1:56
It's human interference that is threatening these dolphins.2:00
It's therefore our responsibility to ensure they don't become extinct.2:03
I really hope something will be done.2:07
Thank you for talking to us today, Matt.2:09
Thanks for having me.2:12
Клик по слову — перевод и «+ в мои слова» (в любом режиме). Клик по строке или таймкоду — перейти к этому месту записи.