. RIVER DOLPHINS AND THE LEGEND OF THE BOTO MAN

One of the many treats the Amazon water world reveals to us daily as the MV Amazon Guardian chugs through the waters of the Purus are happy grey and pink dolphins playing around the ship.

The botos, as the river dolphins are called in this region, are one of the few fresh waters dolphin species in the world and are considered sacred by the Amazon people. These animals are not hunted for their meat or as pets. Locals believe that if you harm a river dolphin, it will bring you bad luck for the rest of your life.

The legend of the boto men is a good example of how strongly the local culture is linked to the peculiar and rich regional biodiversity. The communities that live by the river banks believe that in party nights, a river dolphin turns into a very handsome and good looking man, all dressed up with white clothes with bare feet and a hat to hide the breathing hole on the top of its head. He arrives at the party and dances with the prettiest young girl of the community, seducing her. Later at night, he takes her to the river and then they both disappear forever. This story is part of the oral tradition that has been told for generations during nice chats under a starry Amazon sky.

The destruction of the Amazon ecosystem may impact the river dolphin population by disturbing its sources of aliment, placing in jeopardy one of the most beautiful, sacred and famous Amazon figures known.