Dolphins and Porpoises | Species

Species
Dolphins and Porpoises

Species
Dolphins and Porpoises

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Overview
Why They Matter
How You Can Help
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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
Oceans, Freshwaters

Browse Photos & Videos

Rare Dolphin Offered a Second Chance

There are fewer than 100 Irrawaddy dolphins in the Mekong River of Southeast Asia, and researchers fear the numbers are shrinking even further. But now the dolphins may have something to smile about. In September local government agencies in Cambodia agreed to work with WWF to conserve dolphins and minimize or eliminate deaths from gillnets.

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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

01

Take Action

Tell your members of Congress and President Obama to reject budget proposals that would slash funding for endangered species and tropical forests, clean air and water, and efforts to confront climate change.