The Franciscana Dolphin

On the Edge of Survival

1st Edition - June 24, 2022
Editors: Paulo Cesar Simoes-Lopes, Marta Jussara Cremer
Language: English
Paperback ISBN:
9 7 8 - 0 - 3 2 3 - 9 0 9 7 4 - 7
eBook ISBN:
9 7 8 - 0 - 3 2 3 - 9 0 3 4 7 - 9

The Franciscana Dolphin: On the Edge of Survival provides the most updated and comprehensive knowledge on the most endangered marine mammal in the Western South Atlantic Ocean. It… Read more

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The Franciscana Dolphin: On the Edge of Survival provides the most updated and comprehensive knowledge on the most endangered marine mammal in the Western South Atlantic Ocean. It synthesizes all available information on this dolphin species, also referred to as La Plata dolphin, ranging from taxonomy, evolution, diet, parasites and diseases, reproduction and growth, to genetic diversity and stock definition, distribution, abundance, behavior, as well as the threats and causes behind the dwindling population numbers.

Written by international experts, this book explores aspects of the species’ natural history and urgent problems of accidental mortality in fishing nets, contamination, and habitat loss. It offers the most current research and practices on rehabilitating debilitated animals and presents initiatives at the regional and international level for species conservation, including current and potential strategies related to marine protected areas and public policies.

The Franciscana Dolphin: On the Edge of Survival
is an important resource for researchers and practitioners in marine conservation, marine biology, and zoology, particularly those who seek to gain the most reputable information on vulnerable marine mammal species for conservation efforts. Policymakers and public officials involved in environmental protection and planning will also find this useful to combat similar threats with other dolphin species around the world

Cover Image
Title Page
Copyright
Dedication
Table of Contents
Contributors
Preface
Chapter 1 Taxonomy, skeletal morphology, and evolutionary history
Taxonomy
Skeleton
Morphology associated with echolocation
Fossils and evolutionary history
References
Chapter 2 Overview of franciscana diet
Introduction
Materials and methods
Results and discussion
References
Chapter 3 Macroparasites of franciscana: what can their coexistence say to conservationists?
Overview
Parasite diversity
Main factors influencing infection
Parasites as biological tags and biogeographical distribution of parasite infections in franciscana
Methodological recommendations
Conclusion and general recommendations
Acknowledgment
References
Chapter 4 Pathologies and diseases
Respiratory diseases
Gastrointestinal diseases
Liver diseases
Renal diseases
Lymphoid system diseases
Musculoskeletal diseases
Systemic diseases
Further considerations
References
Chapter 5 The life history of franciscana dolphins
Introduction
Age, growth, and sexual dimorphism
Franciscana reproductive cycle
Population reproductive parameters
Longevity and senescence
Survival
Franciscana mating system: assembling a complex puzzle
Perspectives
References
Chapter 6 Genetic diversity, population structure, and phylogeography
Introduction
Genetic diversity and molecular markers
Population genetics and phylogeography
Population structure
How population structure can assist in the conservation of franciscanas
References
Chapter 7 Abundance estimates of franciscana dolphins (Pontoporia blainvillei): a review and future recommendations
Introduction
Early years
Methodological improvements and computation of correction factors
Franciscana abundance estimates
Conclusion and recommendations
References
Chapter 8 Behavior and movement patterns of franciscana dolphins
Introduction
References
Chapter 9 Acoustic repertoire and bioacoustics applications
Introduction
Acoustic repertoire description
Prospect for abundance estimates
Acoustic recognition of calves
Conservation and anthropogenic underwater noise
References
Chapter 10 Is the franciscana bycatch in gillnet fisheries sustainable?
Introduction
The franciscana bycatch
Assessment of bycatch and conservation status
Potential mitigation options
Conservation perspectives
Concluding remarks and recommendations
Acknowledgments
References
Chapter 11 Chemical pollution and franciscana—a review
Organic compounds
Conservation implications
References
Chapter 12 Coastal development and habitat loss: understanding and resolving associated threats to the franciscana, Pontoporia blainvillei
Introduction
Franciscana management areas (FMAs) and coastal impacts
General threats of coastal development
Cumulative effects, risk assessment, and management in coastal areas
Conclusion and future actions
References
Chapter 13 Long-term patterns of franciscana strandings throughout its distribution
Introduction
Material and methods
Results and discussion
Final considerations
Acknowledgments
References
Chapter 14 Rehabilitation of stranded specimens
Introduction
Strandings
Rescue and transport
Clinical evaluation and first aid
Rehabilitation
Nutrition
Drugs and routes of administration
Release
Zoonotic considerations
Final considerations
References
Chapter 15 Alternative fishing methods, the potential use of “pingers,” and other solutions to reduce the bycatch of franciscana dolphins (Pontoporia blainvillei)
Acoustic deterrent devices (Pingers)
Modified fishing gear
Alternative fishing gear
Considerations for franciscana bycatch mitigation strategies
References
Chapter 16 Gillnet fishing characteristics in Franciscana Management Areas
Introduction
Gillnet fisheries definition
Production and monitoring of gillnet fishing
Gillnet fishing characterization based on interviews
Means of production and wages in gillnet fishing
Environmental vulnerability
Conflicts
Concluding remarks
References
Chapter 17 Ethnoecological approaches and fishermen perception
Artisanal fishermen and traditional knowledge
The ethnoecology of the franciscana dolphin
Conservationist aspects
References
Chapter 18 Marine protected areas: Their potential for the conservation of the franciscana
Introduction
Primary source and analyses of MPAs across the franciscana distribution
Existing MPAs along the franciscana distribution
Management of MPAs along the franciscana distribution
MPAs of franciscana and the marine ecoregions of the world (MEOWs)
MPAs across the franciscana management areas (FMAs)
Future perspectives and recommendations
Acknowledgments
[Annex 18.I]
References
Chapter 19 International and regional agreements, national legislation, and public policies
Introduction
Legal framework
UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
Regional Agreements
National agreements and public policies
Future challenges
References
Index

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