Tragic discovery: most endangered dolphin in the southern hemisphere is found dead

In Florianópolis, a devastating incident unfolded as the lifeless body of a rare marine mammal, the Toninha (Pontoporia blainvillei), was discovered.

Regrettably, this dolphin species, considered to be the most endangered cetacean in the South Atlantic, continues to face a precarious future.

Known for their elusive nature, these shy creatures are seldom spotted by beachgoers. However, on Wednesday (28), yet another member of this vulnerable species was found dead.

In an advanced stage of decomposition, the lifeless porpoise was located on Campeche Island after local trail tourism workers alerted authorities.

The challenging task of retrieving the remains was made possible by the assistance of the Association of Transport Boatmen of Campeche Beach (ABTC).

Biologist Amanda Lucena Fernandes, associated with the R3 Animal organization, which spearheads the Santos Basin Beach Monitoring Project (PMP-BS), specializes in rescuing and rehabilitating marine animals and was present during the incident.

Due to the highly decomposed state of the individual, a necropsy was not conducted. However, vital data for research and species conservation, including the stranding location and biometric measurements, were meticulously documented.

The deceased animal was transported to the Center for Research, Rehabilitation, and Depetrolization of Marine Animals (CePRAM/R3 Animal).

“Based on this data, we estimate that the animal was likely in its early years of life. Adult porpoises typically measure around 1.60 meters in length, whereas this one found in Campeche was 1.07 meters long.”

“Initial assessments revealed no external indications of the cause of death,” explained Fernandes, a biologist with a master’s degree in Physiological Sciences, who has dedicated four years to R3 Animal.

Mariana Carvalho, a biology student at UFSC and an intern on R3 Animal’s field team, also participated in the operation.

Porpoises typically reside in small groups and migrate in search of food, consisting primarily of squid and various fish species.

As this was a young individual, it is possible that it became separated from its group and stranded in the region.

No evidence of interactions with fishing nets was found in this case.

However, incidental or accidental entanglements (bycatch) and encounters with marine debris are these small marine mammals’ leading causes of mortality.

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The Center for Research, Rehabilitation, and Depetrolization of Marine Animals (CePRAM/R3 Animal) is situated in the Red River State Park, a conservation area overseen by the Environmental Institute (IMA-SC) in partnership with the Environmental Military Police.

The PMP-BS, a mandatory requirement of federal environmental licensing by Ibama for Petrobras’ oil and gas production and outflow activities in the Santos Basin, aims to evaluate the potential impacts on birds, turtles, and marine mammals.

(Video Foto Ricardo Wegrzynovski )

It involves beach monitoring, providing veterinary care for live animals, and conducting necropsies on deceased specimens.

Stretching from Laguna/SC to Saquarema/RJ, the PMP-BS is divided into 15 sections, with R3 Animal responsible for Section 3 on the Island of Santa Catarina.