Organization for the Conservation of Aquatic Mammals in Latin America
We are regularly looking for and need volunteers to strengthen our teams in South America. These people already have specialist knowledge and appropriate training and are important for the work in our species conservation projects. YAQU PACHA's aim is to employ these specialists in our projects on a long-term basis.
Camera systems are essential for any research project. In our projects, these camera systems are mainly used to obtain accurate images for photo-identification, but also to monitor the development of skin lesions over time. The dolphins are photographed and their dorsal fin/skin region is registered in the database and compared with existing images of the animals.
DJI Mavic 3 Classic drone - New DJI Mavic 3 Classic research drone for photo shoots and flight counts
This modern drone system is equipped with a high-resolution Hasselblad camera and delivers razor-sharp images of the animals. It is used by our team to monitor behavior and, in some cases, fishing activities in the research area. The drone can be launched and landed from the research boat. High-resolution video recordings of the animals are also possible.
Observation and photo-identification of Lahille's bottlenose dolphins in the Lagoa dos Patos in Brazil with our research boat Charlotte. These trips take place on a regular basis and are very important for the assessment of the population in the Lagoa dos Patos. The photo-ID method is based on the distinguishing feature of the dolphins' dorsal fin, as this is different for each animal. This allows individual animals to be identified and the total population to be estimated. With the help of a database, the animals can be recognized and sightings registered.
A very important part of the conservation of the La Plata dolphins is the aerial surveys, which are carried out using airplanes with specially curved windows from which the animals are counted.
These flight counts were conducted in March and April 2023 along the coast of Uruguay and are crucial for determining the population of the La Plata dolphin in Uruguay.
In this way, population declines can be detected immediately, which is of great importance for a better assessment of the species' situation. The results of the flight counts are shared with the partner institutions involved in the project. Regular aerial counts are important in order to identify population fluctuations and develop new strategies to protect this most endangered dolphin species in South America. A sharp decline, as has already been observed in some populations of the La Plata dolphin further north, must be regarded as alarming.
Our teams regularly search the beaches along the Brazilian coast for stranded animals. Live animals are immediately brought to our stations in special transport boxes, where they receive immediate medical treatment and care. Dead stranded animals are also recovered to be examined and the cause of death determined.
These special tanks are urgently needed to care for and look after the rescued La Plata dolphins until they can be released back into a suitable habitat in the sea. The water tanks are equipped with a high-quality filter system and a pump system. This is the only way to achieve optimum water quality for the animals, which is crucial for the survival of the La Plata dolphins. It takes several weeks to months for the animals to recover. The animals must be cared for around the clock until it is ensured that they can lead an independent life and are no longer dependent on human help.
The stranded and rescued La Plata dolphins can be brought to the rehabilitation center in these special transport boxes, where they are immediately examined and treated depending on their injuries. They are transported in our research vehicles, which we also use to carry out beach checks.
Continuous veterinary care and treatment is crucial for the survival of the stranded and rescued La Plata dolphins. Any deterioration in their health must be recognized immediately and treated accordingly by specially trained veterinarians.
This is equivalent to the weekly medication costs of having a rescued La Plata dolphin treated by specially trained doctors. The regular administration of medication is crucial for the survival of the dolphins.
A daily ration of special rearing milk for a La Plata dolphin. This is a special rearing milk for dolphin calves and newborns, which is very high in calories and ensures that the dolphins are sufficiently nourished even in small quantities. As the stomachs of the La Plata dolphin calves are very small, only small amounts of this milk can be fed. The animals are fed at short intervals with this special milk, which we obtain from the USA and have to import to South America.