How to Support | Gephyreus Project

Kaosa

Presentation

The Lahille's dolphins need you!

With fewer than 600 individuals remaining in the wild, these magnificent animals are on the brink of extinction. We are working tirelessly to reverse this critical situation, and you can make a difference! There are several ways to contribute, each one essential for the future of the species.

Make a Donation: Support our team in combating illegal fishing in critical areas and monitoring dolphin populations in South America.

Specific Campaigns: Direct your donation to a specific campaign within our Action Plan (see below) and contribute to initiatives that resonate most with you.

Adopt a Dolphin: Participate in our adoption campaign and help protect a Lahille's dolphin while learning more about these fascinating animals.

Every contribution, no matter how small, is a crucial step in securing the future of Lahille's dolphins. Explore the options below and become part of this mission!

Action Plan

Campaigns

Pedro Fruet

Campaigns

Extinction is Forever, But You Can Help Now

Make a difference. Act for Lahille’s dolphins today and help save this species from extinction.

We have selected three priority projects from our 5-year Action Plan for you to take action on. Learn about the projects below and contribute to the conservation of Lahille’s dolphins in South America.

Action Plan

Rodrigo Genoves

Mapping the Distribution and Hotspots of Lahille's Bottlenose Dolphins in Southern Brazil and Uruguay

Photo-identification studies conducted in specific coastal areas suggest that the Lahille's bottlenose dolphin subpopulation in southern Brazil and Uruguay does not exceed 400 individuals. Incredible, isn’t it?

Sebastião Leal

Abundance and Connectivity of Lahille's Bottlenose Dolphin in Two Areas of Argentina

This subproject aims to conduct field trips for photo-identification in two critical areas for the species in Argentina.

Pescador pescando em conjunto com um boto-de-Lahille

Ignacio Moreno

Using Citizen Science to Promote the Conservation of Lahille's Bottlenose Dolphin in Partnership with Local Communities

This subproject aims to strengthen community involvement in the conservation of Lahille's bottlenose dolphin by using a citizen science approach combined with information campaigns.

Actions

Projeto Gephyreus

Action 1 – 8th Cycle of Lahille’s Bottlenose Dolphin Photo-ID Data Collection

The Gephyreus Project conducts photo-identification of Lahille’s bottlenose dolphins in Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina, focusing on their movements and abundance. Notable findings include births, as well as sightings of whales and orcas.

Fotografia de uma pesquisadora do Projeto Gephyreus examinando o material coletado

Arquivo ECOMEGA

Action 2 – Mapping the Impacts of Floods

In 2024, the Gephyreus Project and partners mapped the impacts of the historic flood in Rio Grande do Sul on Lahille’s bottlenose dolphins in Lagoa dos Patos, analyzing mortality, pollutant bioaccumulation, and conservation strategies.

Fotografia de uma palestra sobre mapeamento de impactos das enchentes

Rodrigo Genoves

Action 3 – Marine Environmental Education and Training Course

The Gephyreus Project is organizing the “Marine Environmental Education and Training” course in Rio Grande (RS), addressing fishing, the coastal zone, and climate change to train local agents committed to environmental preservation.

Adopt

Um boto-de-Lahille com um tecido na boca

Ignacio Moreno

Adote um boto-de-Lahille

Every Symbolic Adoption Supports Our Conservation Efforts for Lahille’s Dolphins and Their Habitats.

Each individual has a story.

Our database includes over 350 cataloged dolphins. We have selected 4 iconic dolphins for adoption. You can gift one of these adoptions to someone who loves these incredible animals.

Choose a Story and Start Making a Difference for Lahille’s Dolphins Today.

By adopting one of these dolphins, you not only help protect the species, but you also become part of their unique story. Each adoption directly supports the conservation work needed to ensure a future for Lahille’s dolphins and their coastal habitats.

Foto do dorço de um boto macho fora d'água

Ignacio Moreno

Chiquinho

Chiquinho is one of the most experienced male dolphins frequenting the Barra do Rio Tramandaí. At nearly 20 years old, he has accumulated a rich life history and a wealth of knowledge.

Foto da barbatana de um boto fora d'água

Elisa Ilha

Furacão

Furacão is one of the youngest dolphins at Barra do Rio Tramandaí (RS), born at the end of 2018. Since then, whenever she is spotted, she can be seen alongside her mother, Geraldona, the respected matriarch of the Barra.

André Barreto

Lisa

Lisa is a female Lahille’s bottlenose dolphin regularly seen in the Patos Lagoon estuary in southern Brazil. In her first recorded sighting in 1998, she was already caring for a calf, which allows us to estimate that she is at least 32 years old, given that the minimum reproductive age for females is 8 years.

Paula Laporta

Puramuesca

Puramuesca is a female Lahille’s bottlenose dolphin that has become an icon of the population inhabiting Uruguay’s oceanic coast. Over 20 years old, she symbolizes the connectivity and movement between the dolphin populations of southern Brazil and Uruguay, showing how these animals cross borders to survive and thrive.

Gallery