The influx of people into the Amazon is having a profound effect on the Amazon River Dolphin, or Boutu. Nets left by careless fishermen are "traps" which claim many dolphins' lives each year. Pollution from urban and industrial waste, farm chemicals and deforestation has also become a huge threat. River traffic transporting toxic chemicals and oil has increased the risk of devastating spills. Large quantities of mercury are used in the extraction of gold from open cut mining operations, which are prolific throughout Amazonia. The effects of heavy metal pollution such as mercury devastates all levels of the food chain consequently the Boutu, a large mammal at the top of food chain, is in serious danger.

The distinctive pink coloration of the Amazon River Dolphin makes it easy to identify. They are born with dark gray pigmentation and become more translucent with age so that blood circulating beneath their skin gives them a vivid pink appearance.

In addition to their unique coloration, Boutus can be identified by their long beak containing many stiff hairs. Their mouth is fairly straight with a slight upturn at the corners which makes them appear to smile. They eat a wide variety of organisms, including catfish and can crush heavily armored fish and crustaceans with the rear teeth.

Boutus have the ability to change the shape of their melons, like beluga whales, from flat to bulbous. Also, Amazon River Dolphins are often seen turning their heads ninety degrees to the side. This is possible because their cervical vertebrae are unfused, as in many ancestral dolphin species. Besides turning their necks, Boutus can paddle one flipper forward while paddling the other backwards.

When prey is scattered, as in high water seasons, Boutus are generally seen in singles or pairs. During low water seasons, when prey is more concentrated, Boutus congregate in-groups of about 15. Most births occur between June and September. Some females have been observed as lactating and pregnant at the same time.

Boutus move at a slower pace than most marine dolphins, and have occasionally been observed leaping above the surface. They rarely dive longer than two minutes at a time.

Boutus have a significant place in the folklore of many different tribes within Amazonia. The Ticunas people believe that they are magical beings; once human. They respect the Boutu and have a strict taboo on hunting them. Legends from other tribes suggest the Boutus are the harbingers of both good and evil. They are said to gate crash riverbank parties in the form of people, enticing maidens back to their underwater cities where they wear stingrays for hats and snakes for belts. Women who go swimming while menstruating are said to be made pregnant by the Boutus. The offspring of these women are believed to be magically gifted and often become the tribe's shaman.

It is because of these legends and traditions that the pink dolphin may have its chance to survive into the next century. Yet, as the Amazon territory is carved up and exploited, these stories loose their importance. Now pink dolphins are hunted for their eyes, teeth and genitals, all because of supposed aphrodisiac powers.