Lahille's Dolphin is Highlighted in the New Brazilian Passport

Lahille's dolphin, an iconic species of the Brazilian coast, now appears among the images chosen for the new Brazilian passport, launched at the end of 2022 by the Federal Government. The inclusion of this cetacean, already a symbol of marine conservation in the country, reflects a growing movement to value national biodiversity and raise awareness about the importance of protecting native fauna.

Scientifically known as Tursiops truncatus gephyreus, Lahille's dolphin inhabits the waters of southern Brazil, especially the coastal regions of Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, and Paraná. The species is classified as endangered on the IUCN Red List (International Union for Conservation of Nature), primarily due to accidental capture in fishing nets, habitat degradation, and pollution.

The choice to feature Lahille's dolphin in the passport carries strong symbolism, highlighting Brazil's commitment to preserving its biodiversity. It also draws attention to the threats faced by this and other species. The passport, an international identification document, gains new significance by incorporating elements of Brazil's fauna and flora, connecting citizens to the country's natural wealth.

A Symbol of Conservation Efforts

Lahille's dolphin has been the target of conservation initiatives for years, serving as the focus of several scientific and governmental projects aimed at ensuring its survival. One of the most important initiatives is the National Action Plan for the Conservation of Endangered Marine Cetaceans (PAN Marine Cetaceans), which includes strategies to increase knowledge and mitigate threats to the species, such as pollution and interaction with fishing activities.

The presence of the dolphin in the new Brazilian passport also celebrates conservation efforts by non-governmental organizations and research groups, such as the NGO Kaosa and the Marine Mammal Laboratory of the Oceanographic Museum at the Federal University of Rio Grande (FURG), which have tirelessly worked to protect these animals. Recently, efforts involving Lahille's dolphin were internationally recognized with the 2021 Whitley Award, granted to the Brazilian scientist leading these conservation initiatives.

Connecting Citizens to Biodiversity

The new Brazilian passport not only modernizes the document's design and security but also delivers a powerful message about the importance of valuing and protecting Brazil's natural resources. Alongside Lahille's dolphin, other Brazilian species and landscapes appear on the passport's pages, reinforcing the connection between Brazilians and their territory and environmental responsibility.

With this inclusion, Lahille's dolphin becomes not only an ambassador of Brazil's marine fauna but also a constant reminder of the need to sustain biodiversity preservation efforts, particularly in the face of challenges like climate change and environmental degradation.

This initiative reflects a growing institutional commitment to the environment and marks an important step in spreading awareness about the protection of endangered species to all Brazilians carrying their passport around the world.