Franciscana Dolphin (Pontoporia blainvillei)
The Franciscana dolphin, locally known as the “La Plata” dolphin or “Toninha”, is a small river dolphin inhabiting the shallow coastal waters of Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina. It is the only species of river dolphin that lives in saltwater estuaries rather than freshwater rivers. The species is considered threatened by the IUCN red list with a decreasing population trend, with some subpopulations classified as endangered.
Greatest threats to their Population
Entanglement and Bycatch
These dolphins often get entangled in fishing nets intended for other species, leading to suffocation, drowning, or severe injuries. Calves that escape the nets are left orphaned without their mothers, requiring rehabilitation for survival.
Habitat Loss and Degradation
Coastal development, urbanization, and infrastructure expansion have encroached upon the natural habitat of the Franciscana. This has resulted in the loss of critical breeding and feeding areas, as well as the destruction of important estuaries and lagoons that serve as nurseries for their young.
Disturbance from Human Activities and Pollution
Activities such as maritime traffic, tourism, and oil exploration disrupt their acoustic environment and their feeding and breeding areas.
The NMMF IN ACTION
In collaboration with organizations around the world like Yaqu Pacha and local species experts, we have created the Alliance for Franciscana Dolphin Conservation Research, Rescue, and Rehabilitation (AFCR3), an international team, made up of representatives from Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Germany, and the U.S. The group continues to work towards improving success with individual animal rehabilitation efforts while also addressing larger scale conservation concerns for the species. The effort encompasses extensive research, health assessments, and rescue and rehabilitation programs, with a holistic conservation approach. Currently, our team is on call around the clock to provide veterinary support to medical teams working to rehabilitate the young neonates. This project will serve as a blueprint for future conservation efforts for other small dolphins and porpoises facing similar challenges.