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 counted 130 dead dolphins in the last week alone." About 80% of these are typical Amazon river dolphins (Inia geoffrensis), while the remaining 20% are Tucuxi dolphins (Sotalia fluviatilis). In total, this corresponds to about 10% of the known population in Lago Tefé. "Such a high percentage of losses among Amazon river dolphins is alarming. If these numbers escalate, we could be facing the possible extinction of the species in Lake Tefé," warns Dr. Marmontel. She is leading the investigation into the causes in Brazil and taking important steps to protect the surviving animals, many of which are in dire need.
But this cannot be done alone, only in collaboration with others.
In this urgent matter, YAQU PACHA is working with our partners 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 alarming levels of 40 degrees Celsius in some areas.
YAQU PACHA, in collaboration with the National Marine Mammal Foundation (NMMF) and Nuremberg Zoo, has developed an emergency 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, the 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 collectively providing significant financial resources and sending qualified veterinarians from the US and European zoos. Our joint efforts also include coordinating veterinary care on site.
The survival of the remaining river dolphins (Inia geoffrensis and Sotalia fluviatilis) is under serious threat, and they urgently need our help to preserve the population in Lake Tefé.
We kindly ask you to support us in this important task with a donation. Your contribution will play a decisive role in 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 for the rescue of Tefe river dolphins
Amazon Dolphin Project | Manatee | Latin America Team | Environmental Education