Dolphins and Porpoises | Species

Species
Dolphins and Porpoises

Species
Dolphins and Porpoises

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Overview
Why They Matter
How You Can Help
Adopt a Dolphin

Overview

Habitats
Oceans and freshwater rivers

Dolphins and porpoises delight us with their playful antics and warm our hearts with their friendly faces. Marine species are the most well-known, but there are several species that live in freshwater rivers. All are air-breathing, warm-blooded mammals that nurse their young. The difference between a dolphin and a porpoise has to do with their appearance: dolphins have longer snouts, bigger mouths, more curved dorsal fins, and longer, leaner bodies than porpoises.

Places
Yangtze, Southern Chile, Arctic
Habitats
Ocean Habitat, Freshwaters

Browse Photos & Videos

Saving the Finless Porpoise

Protecting the current population of the Yangtze finless porpoise in limited reserves is not enough. We need to restore wetlands, work with farmers and fishers, and help industrial parks improve their water efficiency and reduce pollution all along the Yangtze River.

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The Dolphins and Porpoises Family

Why They Matter

Dolphins and porpoises are at the top of the food chain and have an important role in the overall balance of the marine environment. They can tell us a lot about the health of the ocean, such as the presence of pollution or the decline in fish. They are also very popular with tourists.

How You Can Help

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Support WWF

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