YAQU PACHA was yesterday together with the project h2eau at the World Water Day at the Kunstraum Kö106 in Düsseldorf. We had set up an information booth and informed the visitors about our species protection projects. Our friend Konny Zimmermann together with his colleague Dirk inspired the audience with their fantastic water music. It was a wonderful evening and we thank the organizer Konrad Zimmermann h2eau for the donations from the entrance fees, which go in equal parts to Viva con Agua and YAQU PACHA.
YAQU PACHA attends the EAAM meeting in Valencia, Spain and was instrumental in organizing the Conservation Round Table. Dr. Lorenzo von Fersen presents our conservation projects there and also introduces our new campaign for the protection of the 600 last remaining Lahille's bottlenose dolphins.
From left to right: Dr. Daniel Garcia Parraga (Scientific Director L'Oceanografic, Valencia), Martin Böye (President Elect EAAM) and Dr. Lorenzo von Fersen (1st Chairman YAQU PACHA) at the launch of YAQU PACHA's new campaign to save the last 600 remaining Lahille's bottlenose dolphins.
Last Saturday, the flight counts of Franciscana Dolphins (Pontoporia blainvillei) started with flights between Maldonado and Montevideo in Uruguay. These flight counts are conducted for the first time on the coast of Uruguay and are very important to determine the population of La Plata dolphins in Uruguay.
Find out how you can help us with this important project below.
22.03.2023 is World Water Day and YAQU PACHA celebrates this day together with our friend and musician H2eau Projekt Konrad Zimmermann in a very special location in Düsseldorf at Kunstraum Kö 106! Mark this date already and we are looking forward to your visit. The entrance fee is 10 Euro and YAQU PACHA receives 50% of the entrance fees.
In this report, we present the results of the projects and educational programs supported by YAQU PACHA, in which YAQU PACHA assisted the ECOLOGIA HUMANA DO OCEANO group in 2022. The projects are coordinated by Camilah Antunes Zappes, professor at the Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, in southeastern Brazil. In 2022, YAQU PACHA funded two projects for a total of US$4609.96.
All of these projects will continue in 2023.
Project 1: Ethnobiology of the Guiana dolphin(Sotalia guianensis) in the state of Espírito Santo, southeastern Brazil.
Project 2: Ethnobiology of the Franciscana dolphin(Pontoporia blainvillei) along the Brazilian coast.
Project 3: Ocean at school
Project 4: Digital Ocean and the Dissemination of Marine Literacy
A very big thank youto Teddy Hermann for the great and long lasting support of our species protection projects with the wonderful plush animals from the YAQU PACHA collection and the generous donation! Only through your support we can successfully work on the protection of endangered aquatic mammal species. Thank you very much for your support and your donation! You can find the plush animals from the Teddy Hermann YAQU PACHA collection in the PROMOTION section.
Help us with your donation | In the context of species conservation, aerial surveys are a proven method to estimate the population of a species. This is especially true for dolphin species. Basically, it involves the use of aircraft flying at low altitudes from which human observers can see and count the animals they see in the sea.
YAQU PACHA has previously supported aerial surveys (aerial survey Toninhas in Brazil and Argentina) in estimating the population of the endangered La Plata dolphins - Franciscana - Toninhas. So far, only Uruguay has a gap in the population estimate. From March to April 2023, a group of biologists from Brazil and Uruguay will fly along the Uruguayan coast to count La Plata dolphins. It will be the first time that data will be collected on the population of this species in Uruguay.
Aerial surveys are very expensive. They are carried out by companies that rent airplanes.
One flight hour aerial survey Toninhas costs 1000 EURO. A total of 43 flight hours are planned, which means that the whole project will cost 43000 EURO.
Thanks to various non-governmental organizations and other sponsors such as Tiergarten Nürnberg and Verein der Tiergartenfreunde Nürnberg e.V., 35000 EURO have already been collected, which means we still need to collect 8000 EURO.
The La Plata dolphin is the most endangered dolphin species in South America and urgently needs our help!
YAQU PACHA coordinates the protection efforts in Europe to save this dolphin species.
With your support you help to successfully carry out this important project and for your donation you will of course receive a donation receipt from us and if you wish, we will include you in the list of supporters of this project with your name and if desired, also with a link to your website.
You can donate conveniently and securely with PayPal
or with a donation to our donation account
Account holder: YAQU PACHA e.V.
IBAN: DE91 7605 0101 0001 1416 38
BIC: SSKNDE77XXX
Bank: Sparkasse Nuremberg
Reason for payment: Donation Flight Count and please include your name and address with the transfer and mention yes or no and if applicable your internet address
Thank you very much for your support and your donation!
At the boot Düsseldorf 2023 YAQU PACHA and the companies MARES - just add water, Kallweit and Scubapro agreed to continue their long lasting partnership. Thank you very much for your support of our species protection projects and your long lasting loyalty!
For many years YAQU PACHA also had a booth at the boot and next year we plan to be present again with our own booth at the boot fair in Düsseldorf to inform visitors about our work in species conservation. Dr. Lorenzo von Fersen (1st chairman YAQU PACHA e.V.) presents the representatives of the companies Mares, Scubapro and Kallweit with our partnership award as a thank you for supporting our projects.
For 30 years YAQU PACHA e.V. has been active as a species protection organization in South America, respectively Latin America. Meanwhile we are working on the protection of 9 endangered aquatic mammal species in 6 countries in Latin America together with different partners.
The team of YAQU PACHA wishes you and your family a Happy New Year and all the best and good luck and health for the New Year 2023. We would also like to take this opportunity to once again sincerely thank everyone who supports our work in species conservation and our projects.
A group picture from our great WorkShop "HUMAN DIMENSION in small CETACEAN CONSERVATION" Again, many thanks to all participants who made this species conservation meeting a successful event.
Merry Christmas and many thanks to all who support our work! Only through your support and donations is a successful implementation of our species conservation projects possible. Best regards, your team from YAQU PACHA e.V.
Yesterday was our last WorkShop day. For five days, more than 30 experts from 15 countries discussed how to apply the human dimension to dolphin and small cetacean conservation. Our main goal at this WorkShop was to expand the concept in integrated species conservation by involving people, especially those who share their environment with endangered species. To achieve this goal, we invited experts such as psychologists, sociologists, anthropologists, tourism experts, and business and communication specialists, in addition to field biologists. Together we shared our experiences in species conservation, had lively discussions and developed ideas for the future.
The next step is to produce a report that can serve decision makers in situations where the coexistence of animals and humans may be threatened, especially by human activities.
On Saturday, our Species Conservation WorkShop talked about the threat status of 5 dolphin species that YAQU PACHA is working to protect and there were several interesting presentations about them. Dr. Lorenzo Rojas-Bracho gave a presentation about the endangered vaquita. Professor Eduardo Secchi provided information about the status of the Franciscana d olphin (Pontoporia blainvillei) and about Lahille's bott lenose dolphins in Lagoa dos Patos in Brazil. Afterwards Fernando Trujillo informed about the endangered status of Inia geoffrensis, the Amazon dolphin and about Sotalia dolphins living in the rainforest of South America. Saturday was an extremely informative day and we will present the results of our species conservation WorkShop in detail here.
Yesterday evening Dr. Lorenzo von Fersen, first chairman of our species conservation organization opened the international workshop "Human Dimension in small Cetacean Conservation" (strategies to engage people in species conservation). 34 experts from different disciplines will meet in Heilsbronn until December 21st to exchange experiences and to develop new strategies. Many of our biologists from South America will participate in this important workshop and there will be a lively exchange of experiences and many interesting presentations on this topic. The workshop was organized and financed by YAQU PACHA, because it is extremely important to get people interested in species conservation and to motivate them to make a contribution themselves. Be it only through financial support. All our species protection projects are financed through donations and membership fees and since we all work on a voluntary basis, all funds flow 100% into our projects in Latin America. We will of course continue to report on the workshop and then present the results.
The YAQU PACHA Chile team was very happy to receive a warm welcome at the school in Quellón and the students from preschool to 6th grade showed great interest and curiosity to learn more about the Chilean dolphin and its characteristics, habitat and conservation measures. All topics from our scientific research to biology, to the distribution of this endangered dolphin species were covered.
For decades, YAQU PACHA e.V. has been developing programs to raise people's awareness of biodiversity conservation. This work will now be intensified with the workshop "Human Dimensions of small Cetacean Conservation". Through a transdisciplinary approach involving biologists, psychologists, sociologists, anthropologists, economists and communication experts, concepts will be developed to make integrated species conservation sustainable through human participation. The workshop will take place from December 16 to 20. During these days, we will try to share current findings with members and interested parties.
We are pleased to present you the YAQU PACHA Calendar 2023. The calendar contains the species that YAQU PACHA is working to protect in South America - Latin America. You can order it for the price of 10 EURO (including shipping) by sending an email to info@yaqupacha.de . Please indicate your name and address with your order. The shipment will take place within the next days after receipt of your order and you will receive an invoice with the delivery. Since we all work on a voluntary basis, 100% of the proceeds from the sale will go to the species protection projects of our organization YAQU PACHA e.V. . Thank you very much for your support.
Report by Maria Jimena Valderrama, veterinarian, from our partner organization Fundación Omacha https://omacha.org/
Thanks to Yaqu Pacha, I was able to travel from Bogota to Pantanal, Brazil, to participate in the 10th International Training Course for Wildlife Work, organized by Tamandua Institute, for which I received a scholarship from FINN (Foundation for International Aid Animals). During this course I deepened my knowledge and skills for wildlife management. From capturing and collecting samples, clinical assessment and field monitoring of different wildlife species to in-depth discussion on animal health. In addition, this meeting of different professionals working in conservation in Latin America was a place to discuss ideas, share knowledge and experiences in order to develop and strengthen strategies to address all the problems encountered in conservation medicine today.
Today is International Stop Bycatch Day and Yaqu Pacha is continuously working with fishermen and partners to reduce marine mammal bycatch from fishing activities. Yaqu Pacha recognizes that fishing is important for local fishermen and communities to cover their daily livelihoods. Therefore, we work closely with fishermen and fishing communities to find solutions to reduce bycatch.
Yaqu Pacha Chile is currently working intensively on the project NAVEGA con el delfín chileno. This is an important project to develop and increase awareness among the population about the Chilean dolphin (Cephalorhynchus eutropia) in Chile. Environmental education is an important component in all Yaqu Pacha projects.
Dr. Silvina Botta of ECOMEGA FURG, our partners in Brazil, is currently visiting the endocrinology lab at the Toronto Zoo for a training program sponsored by YAQU PACHA on hormone analysis in marine mammals. Stress-associated hormones such as cortisol are being analyzed in samples of Lahille bottlenose dolphins from ECOMEGA FURG and PROJETO BOTOS. Samples were obtained from tooth dentin using the automated MicroMill drilling system at ECOMEGA FURG. The main objective is to relate stress hormone levels to environmental factors such as changes in prey availability or deteriorated habitat conditions.
Congratulations also from our side and we would like to thank here also for the great cooperation with our biologists on site in all these years. Yaqu Pacha Chile is currently working on a project NAVEGA con el delfín chileno and an article about it was published in a magazine in Chile. Information is also available on the website of Yaqu Pacha Chile...
The team of Ecologia Humana do Oceano, our partners in environmental education with children in Brazil. The group carries out environmental education projects in kindergartens and schools in Brazil and is supported by Yaqu Pacha. Environmental education is an important part of all Yaqu Pacha projects.
There is a new publication by our biologist Professor Eduardo Secchi along with other scientists on the La Plata dolphin or Franciscana (Pontoporia blainvillei) in the new LAJAM Journal. This publication, which focuses on the Franciscana dolphin, provides a step-by-step guide to help researchers working on marine mammal conservation compile long-term stranding databases. This work is fundamental to species conservation research. You can find this publication and other articles in the new issue of the LAJAM Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals. Yaqu Pacha has supported LAJAM's publication since its inception. Publisher Sociedad Latinoamericana de Especialistas en Mamíferos Acuáticos - SOLAMAC
Yaqu Pacha has supported the publication of LAJAM Magazine from the beginning. In this issue, among other things, there is a publication by our biologist Prof. Eduardo Secchi about the La Plata dolphin.
Publisher is Sociedad Latinoamericana de Especialistas en Mamíferos Acuáticos - SOLAMAC
Some impressions of the 30th anniversary Yaqu Pacha e.V. members meeting in the zoo Duisburg We met in the morning in the zoo and were welcomed and guided through the zoo and there was detailed and interesting information about the animals. In the afternoon the Yaqu Pacha members met in the Aquazoo Löbbecke Museum Düsseldorf, where Dr. Lorenzo von Fersen (founder and 1st chairman of Yaqu Pacha) gave a presentation about 30 years of Yaqu Pacha e.V. and 30 years of species protection in Latin America. The day ended with a joint dinner and many nice conversations. At this point we would like to thank the Zoo Duisburg and the Aquazoo Düsseldorf for their hospitality and a big thank you also for the financial support of our projects in Latin America. Here's to many more years of working to protect endangered aquatic mammal species.
30 years of species protection organization YAQU PACHA e.V. - 30 years of species protection in South America and Dr. Lorenzo von Fersen (1st chairman and founder of Yaqu Pacha) held a lecture in the Aquazoo Löbbecke Museum Düsseldorf about our 30 years of work in nature conservation and in the protection of endangered aquatic mammal species in Latin America. Many members and interested people came to the event and followed with interest how everything started and what we have achieved and could move in the 30 years with our species protection organization. At this point a very warm thank you to all members, partners and supporters, without whom our work would not be possible and we look forward to many more years in which we can work on the protection of threatened aquatic mammal species in South America - Latin America.
On the occasion of the International River Dolphin Day, our partners Proyecto Sotalia had an information event in Venezuela. Many interested people came to this event and our biologist Yurasi Briceño reported about the work on the protection of the dolphins and our activities in Venezuela. There was also a photo exhibition with photographs of different photographers and biologists. There was also something for children and they participated with joy and interest. At this point we would like to thank our partners from Proyecto Sotalia for their great work in Venezuela.
Yaqu Pacha at the Species Protection Day at the Aquazoo Löbbecke Museum Düsseldorf Many visitors came to the Species Protection Day and the Yaqu Pacha team informed the visitors about our projects in Latin America. Special interest was shown in the protection of the endangered Vaquita. In the photo from left to right... Silke Meyer, Sandra Honigs, Andreas Banse, Sebastian Schnock
Dr. Lorenzo von Fersen (1st Chairman Yaqu Pacha e.V.) gave a presentation about our species protection projects in Latin America at Planète Sauvage in France. At this point we would like to thank Planète Sauvage for their hospitality and for their great support of our conservation projects in Latin America!
Today is the International Day of the La Plata Dolphin (Pontoporia blainvillei) Yaqu Pacha has been working since 1996 with various partners to protect this, the most endangered dolphin species in South America. Information can be found on our website and on the website of Consórcio Franciscana Photo: Federico Sucunza Gemars
The 19th Working Meeting of Aquatic Mammal Specialists in South America (19th RT) 19 RT Brasil and the 13th Congress of the Latin American Society of Aquatic Mammal Specialists (XIII SOLAMAC) in Praia do Forte was held with main sponsorship from YAQU PACHA.
The presentations of the projects and the support of the Mata de São João City Hall were terrific. The event, held from September 11-15, brought together the leading experts on aquatic mammals in Latin America. There were a total of 245 participants, 10 different countries, 294 papers presented and several exhibitors.
Yaqu Pacha was at the Species Protection Day at Duisburg Zoo and informed the visitors about our species protection projects in South America From left to right... Lisa Schwarz, Sandra Honigs, Sebastian Schnock
Today is International Save The Vaquita Day and YAQU PACHA continues to work tirelessly for the preservation of the vaquitas! Also on International Vaquita Day this Saturday, visitors to Nuremberg Zoo will be informed about the fate of this porpoise species and what can be done to save the last vaquitas!
One of the main goals of YAQU PACHA is to provide educational opportunities for Latin American students and professionals. We believe that this prepares these people to be the leading scientists in their home countries, and that this is the best foundation for a successful and sustainable scientific culture. In recent years, YAQU PACHA has offered targeted support programs to help students, biologists, and veterinarians not only learn new research methods, but also build a network to help them navigate the world of science.
This is Raphaela Mota and her participation in the most important congress for aquatic mammals in August 2022 in Palm Beach, Florida, USA. She then spent a month with Randy Wells to learn research methods. Her participation and training were paid for by YAQU PACHA.
Report by Maria Jimena Valderrama, veterinarian, from our partner organization Fundación Omacha https://omacha.org/
During the annual bottlenose dolphin health survey in Sarasota, Florida, organized by the Chicago Zoological Society and the Dolphin Biology Research Institute, I participated as an invited researcher, working in or near the waters of Sarasota Bay and surrounding areas with free-ranging dolphins. This opportunity allowed me to increase my knowledge of dolphin population health assessment through specialized clinical examinations, ultrasound, sample collection and processing, analysis of physiological processes, and additional methods for identifying and capturing small cetacean populations. I plan to apply all of this to my work in South America with endangered river dolphins. The Omacha Foundation has been working to protect them and aquatic ecosystems for about 30 years, but there is an urgent need to use new conservation medicine techniques to meet the new challenges posed by emerging diseases and new threats that may affect this species and its ecosystems. This space was also a place to share experiences and knowledge with different institutions such as the National Marine Mammal Foundation, where new alliances were created for joint work in Colombia.
