A dramatic mass extinction of river dolphins is currently taking place in the central Brazilian Amazon region. Dr. Miriam Marmontel, an experienced researcher at the Instituto de Desenvolvimento Sustentável Mamirauá, points out the seriousness of the situation: "We have counted 130 dead dolphins in the last week alone". Around 80% of these are the typical Amazonian dolphins(Inia geoffrensis), the remaining 20% are Tucuxi dolphins(Sotalia fluviatilis). In total, this corresponds to around 10% of the known population in Lago Tefé. "Such a high percentage of Amazon river dolphin losses is alarming. If these numbers escalate, we could be looking at a possible extinction of the species in Lago Tefé," warns Dr. Marmontel. She is leading the cause research in Brazil and is taking important steps to protect the surviving animals, many of which are in dire need.
However, this cannot be done alone, but only in cooperation with others.
In this urgent matter, YAQU PACHA is working with our partners to support Dr. Marmontel and her team to save the remaining river dolphins and conduct a comprehensive scientific investigation into the causes of this tragic mass mortality. The alarmingly high mortality rate is currently attributed to rising water temperatures, which have reached an alarming 40 degrees Celsius in some areas.
YAQU PACHA, in collaboration with the National Marine Mammal Foundation (NMMF) and Nuremberg Zoo, has developed a contingency plan to support Dr. Marmontel and her team in their efforts to save the remaining river dolphins and conduct a comprehensive scientific investigation into the causes of these tragic deaths. It is important to emphasize that this emergency plan is a joint effort supported by a variety of institutions, including YAQU PACHA, the National Marine Mammal Foundation (NMMF), Nuremberg Zoo, ZOOMARINE Portugal, L'Oceanografic Valencia, Planète Sauvage, LORO PARQUE Fundación, Verein der Tiergartenfreunde Nürnberg e.V., the European Association for Aquatic Mammals (EAAM), Fundación MUNDO MARINO Argentina and Rancho Texas.
All of these organizations have joined forces to support this vital rescue effort by providing critical funding and sending qualified veterinarians from the US and European zoos. Our joint efforts also include the coordination of veterinary care on the ground.
The survival of the remaining river dolphins(Inia geoffrensis and Sotalia fluviatilis) is acutely threatened and they urgently need our help to preserve the population in Lago Tefé.
We kindly ask you to support us in this important task with a donation. Your contribution will make a decisive contribution to saving the lives of these dolphins.
Donation account:
Account holder: YAQU PACHA e.V.
IBAN: DE91 7605 0101 0001 1416 38
BIC: SSKNDE77XXX
Bank details: Sparkasse Nürnberg
Purpose: Donation rescue Tefe river dolphins
Amazon Dolphin Project | Manati | Latin America Team | Environmental Education