Mitochondrial Genome of Bolivian River Dolphin Provides Clues to Conservation Efforts

Scientists at Towson University have made a breakthrough in the study of the Bolivian river dolphin, a threatened species due to habitat destruction and human activities. The research team, led by Kristin Coury, has sequenced and assembled the mitochondrial genome of the Bolivian river dolphin, providing valuable insights into the genetic composition of the species. The study, published in Mitochondrial DNA. Part B. Resources, highlights the importance of conservation efforts to protect the remaining populations of this vulnerable species.

Key Takeaways:

• The Bolivian river dolphin, Inia boliviensis, is threatened by anthropogenic activities such as habitat destruction, deforestation, and construction of hydroelectric dams.
• Conservation partners in the department of Santa Cruz in Bolivia are working to capture and relocate isolated river dolphins, taking tissue samples to better understand the genetic composition of the fragmented populations.
• The newly sequenced and assembled mitochondrial genome of the Bolivian river dolphin is 16,591 base pairs in length, with a base composition of 32.75% adenine, 25.85% thymine, 28.35% cytosine, and 13.05% guanine.
• The study highlights the importance of genetic research in informing effective management of vulnerable populations and will pave the way for a better understanding of Bolivian river dolphin population genetics.
• The researchers involved in this study include Ellen Bronson, Claudia Venegas Cuzmar, Sharon Deem, and Jacqueline M. Doyle.

Statistics:

• The Bolivian river dolphin is found in the rivers of Bolivia.
• The mitochondrial genome of the Bolivian river dolphin is 16,591 base pairs in length.
• The base composition of the mitochondrial genome is 32.75% adenine, 25.85% thymine, 28.35% cytosine, and 13.05% guanine.
• The study was published in Mitochondrial DNA. Part B. Resources in 2025.

Sources:

• Coury, K., et al. "Mitochondrial genome of a Bolivian River Dolphin (Inia boliviensis)." Mitochondrial DNA. Part B. Resources, vol. 10, no. 9, 2025, pp. 804-808. doi:10.1080/23802359.2025.2544682.
• Life Science Weekly. "Researchers' Work from Towson University Focuses on DNA Research [Mitochondrial genome of a Bolivian River Dolphin (Inia boliviensis)]." August 26, 2025; p 6589.