Franciscana Dolphin
(Pontoporia blainvillei)
SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION
CURRENT THREATS
CURRENT STATUS
The Franciscana dolphin is currently classified as vulnerable by the IUCN red list with an overall decreasing population trend. Isolated geographic subpopulations are classified as endangered. In order to ensure the continued survival of this species, there is an urgent need for coordinated veterinary conservation efforts.
SPECIES OVERVIEW
The Franciscana dolphin, or locally “La Plata” dolphin or “toninha”, is a small river dolphin inhabiting 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 female dolphins are actually bigger than the males. The calves, when born, are very small, approximately only 70-75cm in length, compared to bottlenose dolphins, which are usually around 115cm. The diet of the dolphin is known to consist of at least 76 different prey species, with around 83% of their diet being fish with the remainder consisting of mollusks and crustaceans.
SPECIES RANGE
Currently, there are four different management areas for the Franciscana dolphin: Espirito Santo (ES) in Brazil, Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo to Santa Catarina, Rio Grande do Sul to Uruguay, and the coast of Buenos Aires and Rio Negro in Argentina.
THE PROBLEMS
Franciscana dolphins are dying at unprecedented numbers in gillnets and fishing gear. Small calves are losing their mothers and stranding. These orphans require rehabilitation for a chance at survival, and to date, rehabilitation success is minimal. This vulnerable South American species is quickly being driven to endangerment. In order to ensure the continued survival of Franciscanas, there is an urgent need for coordinated veterinary conservation efforts.
WHAT WE ARE DOING AND WHY
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.
Acoustic Monitoring
Researchers have long used underwater recorders to detect vaquita clicks. Building on that foundation, we began developing smart acoustic buoys that can identify vaquitas in real time, relay data instantly, and alert teams to nearby vessels – creating faster, more effective protection for this critically endangered species.
Drone-Based Health Assessments
We initiated development of SEAHAWC, an AI-enabled drone designed to identify individual vaquitas, assess health, and monitor for illegal fishing activity, all without disturbing the animals. Training local community members in its operation will ensure lasting, locally led protection for vaquitas.
Environmental DNA (eDNA)
During recent surveys, our scientists collected hundreds of eDNA samples across the vaquita’s range – capturing genetic material from seawater to detect their presence and understand habitat use. The next step is to analyze these samples, which could reveal critical insights into distribution, genetic diversity, and inform targeted protection and enforcement efforts.
Community Engagement
At the heart of the plan is collaboration with local fishers and community partners to promote vaquita-safe fishing practices and sustainable alternatives. These partnerships would create lasting protection for both the species and the people who share its waters.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Your contributions will directly support the collaborative enhancement of stranding response methods, including the development of standardized protocols for stranded marine mammals and rehabilitation procedures, which will inform overall rehabilitation success and ultimately increase survivability.
