The offspring of these women are believed to be magicaly gifted and often become the tribes shaman. It is because of these legends and traditions that the pink dolphin may have its chance to survive into the next century. Yet, as the Amazon territory is carved up and exploited, these stories have loose their importance. Now pink dolphins are hunted for their eyes, teeth and genitals, all because of supposed aphrodisiac powers. The influx of people into the Amazon is having a profound effect on the Boutu.
Nets left by careless fishermen are traps which claim many dolphin lives each year.
Pollution from urban and industrial waste, farm chemicals and deforestation have also become a huge threat. River traffic transporting toxic chemicals and oil has increased the risk of devastating spills. Large quantities of mercury are used in the extraction of gold from open cut mining operations which are prolific throughout Amazonia. The effects of heavy metal pollution such as mercury devistates all levels of the food chain consequently the Boutu, a large mammal at the top of food chain, is in serious danger. Few restrictions are placed on pollution controls in the Amazonian frontier have been with little enforcement by the governments.