dolphins

Dolphins are a widely distributed group of aquatic mammals within the family Delphinidae. They are cetaceans, specifically toothed whales, and include some of the most familiar marine mammals. They inhabit oceans and seas worldwide, from warm tropical waters to colder temperate regions, and a few species inhabit rivers.

Dolphins are highly social and typically live in groups called pods. They use echolocation to navigate and locate prey, emitting high-frequency clicks and listening for echoes. They communicate with whistles and other vocalizations. Diet consists mainly of fish and squid; some species hunt cooperatively. Reproduction varies by species; most give birth to a single calf after lengthy gestation periods, followed by months to years of nursing, and calves remain with mothers in the pod for extended periods.

Conservation and threats: Many species face threats from bycatch, habitat degradation, pollution, and climate change. The IUCN Red List assigns varying statuses across species, with some listed as Least Concern and others as Vulnerable or Endangered. Conservation measures include protected areas, fishing gear modifications, pollution controls, and international agreements. Notable species include the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) and the common dolphin (Delphinus delphis); river dolphins such as the Amazon river dolphin (Inia geoffrensis) are among the more distinct adaptations in freshwater habitats.