The Gephyreus project is committed to the conservation of the critically endangered Lahille's dolphin(Tursiops gephyreus). Since its foundation, it has been supported by YAQU PACHA, Nuremberg Zoo, Zoomarine Portugal, Duisburg Zoo, Rancho Texas and Heidelberg Zoo. The aim is to strengthen international cooperation and implement effective conservation measures.
One milestone was the launch of the official website www.gephyreus.orgwhich bundles scientific results, current news and events, thus promoting transparency and public participation. Another highlight was the documentary film "Garbo", which shows the unique collaboration between fishermen and dolphins in Laguna and highlights the importance of local long-term research.
The Gephyreus network played a key role in the adoption of a trilateral conservation management plan (CMP) for the Lahille's dolphin by the International Whaling Commission(IWC). Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay are involved. The plan is based on four strategic pillars:
- Research
- risk reduction
- monitoring
- Public relations & capacity building
A total of 24 conservation measures have been defined, seven of which are of the highest priority. In parallel, the network is working on the reassessment of the IUCN Red List status and on an application for a Concerted Action under the CMS Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species.
Important progress was also made in field research:
- In southern Brazil, four fishing villages were visited and 60 fishermen were interviewed about bycatch risks and fishing dynamics.
- Over 3,000 people were reached through training courses, school projects and public events.
- Citizen science programs in Brazil (e.g. Araranguá, Tramandaí River) and Uruguay involve the population more closely in conservation efforts.
Coordinated photo-identification surveys at over ten sites in Brazil and Uruguay and the resumption of research in Bahía San Antonio (Argentina) provided valuable data - including 60000 dorsal fin photos and 15 biopsies for contaminant analysis. A complete stock assessment is expected by 2026.
A new research project on skin changes in Lahille's dolphins in Laguna and the Patos Lagoon has also been launched. In view of increasing health risks, the project is developing a comprehensive dolphin health program.
Dr. Lorenzo von Fersen, Chairman of YAQU PACHA:
"The Lahille's dolphin(Tursiops gephyreus) is one of the most endangered dolphin species in the world. With Project Gephyreus, we are also implementing the IUCN One Plan approach, which combines conservation measures in the field with cooperation in zoological institutions. Only by working together can we conserve this species in the long term."
