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There are 25 species of saltwater dolphins and 5 species of freshwater dolphins. Plus there are species of porpoise.
Aside from disease, parasites and predation, the most devastating threat is mankind. Commercial fishing nets often trap dolphins which for a reason that has puzzled scientists often swim directly above tuna schools.
Dolphins occupy the top tier of the aquatic food chain, therefore ocean pollution, especially along coastlines, contribute to ecological breakdowns of the environment, in turn seriously threatening the dolphins.
Two freshwater dolphins, the Ganges of India and the Bajji of China are close to extinction because of heavily contaminated river environments.
In 1990, Harbour porpoises in Canada were designated "Threatened".
In California, the Vaquitas is one of the most endangered of the dolphins due to illegal commercial gill-net fishing.
These beautiful, intelligent creatures have been part of our earth since the days of the dinosaurs. Isn`t about time you let your voice be heard?