Society for the Protection of Aquatic Mammal Species in Latin America
We are regularly looking for and need volunteers to strengthen our teams in South America. These volunteers already have specialist knowledge and relevant training and are important for the work in our species conservation projects. YAQU PACHA's goal is to employ these specialists in our projects on a long-term basis.
Camera systems are indispensable for every research project. In our projects, these camera systems are primarily used to obtain accurate images for photo identification, but also to monitor the development of skin injuries 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 photography 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 vessel. High-resolution video recordings of the animals are also possible.
Observation and photo identificationof Lahille's bottlenose dolphins in Lagoa dos Patos, Brazil, with our research boat Charlotte. These trips take place regularly and are very important for recording the population in Lagoa dos Patos. The photo ID method is based on the distinctive characteristics of the dolphins' dorsal fins, as these are 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 recorded.
A very important part of species conservation for La Plata dolphins is aerial surveys, which are carried out using aircraft 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 La Plata dolphins in Uruguay.
This allows population declines to be detected immediately, which is extremely important for a better assessment of the species' situation. The results of the aerial counts are shared with the partner institutions involved in the project. Regular aerial counts are important for detecting population fluctuations and developing 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 considered alarming.
Our teams regularly search the beaches along the Brazilian coast for stranded animals. Live animals are immediately taken to our stations in special transport boxes, where they receive immediate medical care and attention. Dead stranded animals are also recovered so that they can be examined and the cause of death determined.
These special pools 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 pools are equipped with a high-quality filter system and a pump system. This is the only way to achieve optimal water quality for the animals, which is crucial for the survival of the La Plata dolphins. The animals will remain in the pools for several weeks to months until they have recovered. They must be cared for around the clock until it is certain that they can live independently and no longer require human assistance.
These special transport boxes allow stranded and rescued La Plata dolphins to be taken to the rehabilitation center, where they are immediately examined and treated according to their injuries. Transport is carried out using our research vehicles, which we also use to conduct beach inspections.
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 identified immediately and treated accordingly by specially trained veterinarians.
This corresponds to the weekly medication costs for specially trained doctors to treat a rescued La Plata dolphin. Regular administration of medication is crucial for the dolphins' survival.
A daily ration of special milk for a La Plata dolphin. This is a special milk for dolphin calves and newborns, which is very high in calories and ensures that the dolphins are adequately nourished even in small quantities. Since the stomachs of La Plata dolphin calves are very small, only small amounts of this milk can be fed to them. The animals are fed this special milk at short intervals, which we have to source from the USA and import to South America.
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