Papers by Isabel C . Avila
Sightings of pinnipeds in Colombian waters of the Pacific Ocean have sporadically been reported s... more Sightings of pinnipeds in Colombian waters of the Pacific Ocean have sporadically been reported since 1970. Despite the Colombian Pacific region (CPR) not being within their typical distribution range, six pinniped species-the Galápagos fur seal (Arctocephalus galapagoensis), the Galápagos sea lion (Zalophus wollebaeki), the South American fur seal (Arctocephalus australis), the South American sea lion (Otaria byronia), the Juan Fernández fur seal (Arctocephalus philippii), and the southern elephant seal (Mirounga leonina)-have been recorded in recent times. This study presents an overall systematic review of pinniped sightings and strandings from 1970 to 2023 along the Pacific coast of Colombia, with a total of 68 sightings of 80 individuals. Pinnipeds were recorded most often in 1998 (13 individuals), followed by 2014 (nine individuals); 1997 (eight individuals); 1983 (seven individuals); and 1993, 1996, 2015, and 2020 (with three individuals each year). Most pinniped observations correspond to vagrants-solitary, young individuals sighted on the southern coast of the Colombian Pacific, specifically in Tumaco. Some records of these species appear to be influenced by upwelling events and changes in climatic-oceanographic phenomena (ENSO episodes) in the region. Further monitoring is necessary to determine whether species presence and abundance in the CPR is a response to (1) vagrant behavior of the species, (2) altered habitat use associated with bioecological changes in the species populations, and/or (3) shifts in distribution ranges related to potential new habitat suitability.
Oryx, 2022
We studied the sperm whale Physeter macrocephalus in the Colombian Caribbean by combining data fr... more We studied the sperm whale Physeter macrocephalus in the Colombian Caribbean by combining data from our offshore surveys of behaviour, encounter rate, group structure and density with data from the literature. We describe for the first time the potential distribution of sperm whales in the Colombian Caribbean, using sighting and acoustic data obtained during our surveys, published information, and opportunistic encounters during 1988–2020. We conducted surveys on seismic vessels over 703 days during 2011–2016, covering an area of 68,904 km2. We recorded 98 individuals in a total of 50 groups, a density of 1.42 individuals per 1,000 km2. To determine the potential distribution of the species, we built Maxent models with uncorrelated environmental variables at five depths (from the surface to c. 2,000 m). The model for 1,000 m depth had the best performance, with areas of high probability of occurrence of sperm whales in the south and north-east Colombian Caribbean over the shelf break to waters up to c. 3,000 m deep, at a median distance of 107 km from the coast, and near the Archipelago of San Andrés, Old Providence and Saint Catherine in the north-west. This area may be an important tropical habitat for sperm whales, in which they socialize, rest, breed and feed. Our study underlines the importance of monitoring marine mammals offshore and describes the potential distribution of sperm whales in the Colombian Caribbean, supporting conservation actions for this Vulnerable species, which is currently facing several threats in this region.
J. Cetacean Res. Manage.
Dolphin hunting for fishing bait in Bahía Solano, Chocó, Colombia, was evaluated during eight mon... more Dolphin hunting for fishing bait in Bahía Solano, Chocó, Colombia, was evaluated during eight months, between July 2005 and April 2006. Interviews were conducted with 122 fishermen (18.2% of the registered fishermen in the zone), who cover at most 890km2 when fishing (approximately 2.3% of the Pacific Territorial Sea of Colombia), and data obtained from landings at a fishing company. Only fishermen using longlines (37.3%) confirmed using dolphins as bait. It was not possible to obtain additional information about date, specific location or dolphin species, but the most probable captured species were common bottlenose dolphin and pantropical spotted dolphin. Nine dolphins were killed during the study period (1.1 dolphins/month) and extrapolating these numbers to all fishermen using longlines in the region (250), 24 dolphins might have been taken during the study period (3 dolphins/month). Fish species caught using dolphin bait include Pacific bearded brotula, groupers and smooth-hound.
Boletín Museo Nacional de Historia Natural
Durante el invierno austral, el stock G de ballena jorobada llega a Bahía Málaga, Pacífico colomb... more Durante el invierno austral, el stock G de ballena jorobada llega a Bahía Málaga, Pacífico colombiano, para reproducirse y criar. Debido a su cercanía con el puerto comercial de Buenaventura y a la pesca y turismo, Bahía Málaga presenta un tráfico frecuente de embarcaciones. Desde una plataforma de observación terrestre a 20msnm registramos el número de ballenas y embarcaciones por hora presentes en un área de 14km2. Durante 312 horas diurnas, 52 días, agosto-septiembre de 2008, registramos 770 grupos de ballenas (mayormente re-muestreados), 0-15 ballenas h-1 (promedio 4.0 ballenas h-1) y 0-17 tránsitos de embarcaciones h-1 (promedio 4.5 tránsitos h-1). Cada día adicional en la temporada mostró un incremento de 1.0% en el número de ballenas, debido a que ellas y sus crías aún estaban llegando ó naciendo. El 96% de los tránsitos fueron realizados por embarcaciones pequeñas y el resto por medianas. El 71.1% de las embarcaciones transitaron rápido (≥16 nudos). Para evaluar sí las embar...
Aquatic Mammals
Alava, J.J.; Merlen, G.; Rosero, P.; Avila, I.C.; Salazar, S. 2022. A Juan Fernández Fur Seal (Ar... more Alava, J.J.; Merlen, G.; Rosero, P.; Avila, I.C.; Salazar, S. 2022. A Juan Fernández Fur Seal (Arctocephalus philippii, Peters, 1866) in the Galápagos Islands: Insights from the First Anecdotal Observation in the Last Century. Aquatic Mammals. 48(6): 559-564. https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.48.6.2022.559
UNED Research Journal, 2011
Se registran tres especies de crustáceos ectoparásitos y epibiontes en dos ballenatos y cuatro ad... more Se registran tres especies de crustáceos ectoparásitos y epibiontes en dos ballenatos y cuatro adultos de ballena jorobada (Megaptera novaeangliae) que visitaron el PNN Gorgona y Bahía Málaga en el Pacífico colombiano, en la temporada reproductiva del año 2010: el anfípodo Cyamus boopis y los cirripedios Coronula diadema y Conchoderma auritum. Se encontró que estos crustáceos se establecen en las aletas caudal y dorsal, en la parte dorsal del cuerpo cerca al espiráculo, y en la parte ventral de la mandíbula inferior. Se adhieren tanto a ballenas adultas como a ballenatos de corta edad. Los ectoparásitos y los epibiontes registrados pueden incidir en el desplazamiento de las ballenas, en la alimentación y en su comportamiento. Los epibiontes se adhieren a las ballenas en aguas tropicales, muy posiblemente en aguas colombianas, pues encontramos un ballenato de a lo sumo tres meses de edad con epibiontes.
Oryx
We studied the sperm whale Physeter macrocephalus in the Colombian Caribbean by combining data fr... more We studied the sperm whale Physeter macrocephalus in the Colombian Caribbean by combining data from our offshore surveys of behaviour, encounter rate, group structure and density with data from the literature. We describe for the first time the potential distribution of sperm whales in the Colombian Caribbean, using sighting and acoustic data obtained during our surveys, published information, and opportunistic encounters during 1988–2020. We conducted surveys on seismic vessels over 703 days during 2011–2016, covering an area of 68,904 km2. We recorded 98 individuals in a total of 50 groups, a density of 1.42 individuals per 1,000 km2. To determine the potential distribution of the species, we built Maxent models with uncorrelated environmental variables at five depths (from the surface to c. 2,000 m). The model for 1,000 m depth had the best performance, with areas of high probability of occurrence of sperm whales in the south and north-east Colombian Caribbean over the shelf brea...
Aquatic Mammals, 2022
Alava, J.J.; Merlen, G.; Rosero, P.; Avila, I.C.; Salazar, S. 2022. A Juan Fernández Fur Seal (Ar... more Alava, J.J.; Merlen, G.; Rosero, P.; Avila, I.C.; Salazar, S. 2022. A Juan Fernández Fur Seal (Arctocephalus philippii, Peters, 1866) in the Galápagos Islands: Insights from the First Anecdotal Observation in the Last Century. Aquatic Mammals. 48(6): 559-564.
https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.48.6.2022.559
Avila, I.C. 2018. Mapping Global Risks of Anthropogenic Impacts on Marine mammals. Ph.D. Thesis M... more Avila, I.C. 2018. Mapping Global Risks of Anthropogenic Impacts on Marine mammals. Ph.D. Thesis Magna Cum Laude, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Friburgo, Alemania. 238pp. Nowadays there are no areas of the ocean unaffected by human activities, and given their life history and ecological traits marine mammal species are amongst the most vulnerable marine megafauna. The first step to establish appropriate marine mammal conservation actions is to know and identify which threats are facing the species, when and where. The first chapter of my thesis therefore aims to provide a spatially-explicit species-specific assessment of threats on marine mammals, I developed a database. The database was constructed from a subset of 1786 papers, out of a total 3360 screened papers during four years (2014-2017). I included threats for 121 species, which globally occurred between 1991 and 2016. Threats impact the conservation status of species, reflecting that they are at some level of risk of potential extinction. To prevent species extinctions and identify conservation needs it is important to understand the critical factors of risk. However, a comprehensive assessment that evaluates the vulnerability based on documented threats to specific species is currently lacking. Based on a database that compiled documented threats to marine mammals worldwide and on a compilation of 18 potential critical ecological traits I evaluated the vulnerability of 108 marine mammals to threats. My results contribute to improve the understanding of the species by knowing the characteristics that makes them more vulnerable to be affected by a threat, and also to assess the vulnerability to threats of those poorly known species. The database and its analyses presented in the first two chapters rely on many species-specific local assessments of threat effects on marine mammals. The next three chapters provide such case studies for the humpback whales in Colombia. They emerged from investigations into the effect of whale-watching, ship traffic and environmental changes on the behaviour and presence of humpback whales. My work is the first comprehensive and global georeferenced inventory of documented threats affecting marine mammals currently. As part of this study, I make available the database and the risk maps. The results presented in this work are a useful resource for researchers and stakeholders for focusing research efforts as well for developing targeted management solutions of marine mammal species worldwide, and of humpback whales in the Colombian Pacific.
Aquatic Mammals, 2022
Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) is a migratory species that inhabits annually the waters ... more Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) is a migratory species that inhabits annually the waters of the Colombian Pacific for breeding. Accidental entanglement in fishing nets is a recurring threat to humpback whales globally. This study presents 14 recent cases (2016-2021) of accidental entanglements of humpback whales in the Colombian Pacific. Data was taken opportunistically during visits and stays in the area, and through information given from the local community and fishermen. We registered 14 entangled individuals, four of them were calves and 10 were adults. Most humpback entanglement cases involved surface gillnet gear, specifically trammel nets. Although these entanglement cases were sighted in Colombia, we cannot assure that these events occurred there, nor can we confirm whether the events occurred while fishing or in ghost-nets (ALDFG). Our results indicate that bycatch of humpback whales in Colombia has increased, but could be higher. This study highlights the importance of continuing monitoring whales and entanglements, and exalts the participation of the local community and environmental authorities as a primary source of information. In order to reduce this threat, it is recommended to move towards a fishery management that considers the migration times of whales and the use of technical methods to mitigate bycatch.
Sperm whales Physeter macrocephalus are large marine mammals, characterized by a pseudotorpedo sh... more Sperm whales Physeter macrocephalus are large marine mammals, characterized by a pseudotorpedo shaped body and a large forehead. They are the largest toothed predator, can dive to depths of over 3,000 m and feed primarily on cephalopods (squids and octopuses). Sperm whales are distributed worldwide, usually in waters over 1,000 m deep, but distribution patterns vary between sexes. Whereas females and young males live together in groups in temperate and tropical habitats, adult males lead solitary lives in polar habitats, migrating periodically to mate.
Oryx Journal, 2022
We studied the sperm whale Physeter macrocephalus in the Colombian Caribbean by combining data fr... more We studied the sperm whale Physeter macrocephalus in the Colombian Caribbean by combining data from our offshore surveys of behaviour, encounter rate, group structure and density with data from the literature. We describe for the first time the potential distribution of sperm whales in the Colombian Caribbean, using sighting and acoustic data obtained during our surveys, published information, and opportunistic encounters during 1988–2020. Observations during surveys were conducted on seismic vessels over an area 68,904.7 km2 and 703 days of observation effort during 2011–2016. We recorded 98 individuals in a total of 50 groups, a density of 1.42 individuals per 1,000 km2. To determine the potential distribution of the species, we built Maxent models with uncorrelated environmental variables at five depths (from the surface to c. 2,000 m). The model for 1,000 m depth had the best performance, with areas of high probability of occurrence of sperm whales in the south and north-east Colombian Caribbean over the shelf break to waters up to c. 3,000 m deep, at a median distance of 107 km from the coast, and near the Archipelago of San Andres, Old Providence and Saint Catherine in the north-west. This area may be an important tropical habitat for sperm whales, in which they socialize, rest, breed and feed. Our study underlines the importance of monitoring marine mammals offshore and describes the potential distribution of sperm whales in the Colombian Caribbean, supporting conservation actions for this Vulnerable species, which is currently facing several threats in this region.
Frontiers in Marine Science, 2022
Wild animals are captured or taken opportunistically, and the meat, body parts, and/or eggs are c... more Wild animals are captured or taken opportunistically, and the meat, body parts, and/or eggs are consumed for local subsistence or used for traditional purposes to some extent across most of the world, particularly in the tropics and subtropics. The consumption of aquatic animals is widespread, in some places has been sustained for millennia, and can be an important source of nutrition, income, and cultural identity to communities. Yet, economic opportunities to exploit wildlife at higher levels have led to unsustainable exploitation of some species. In the literature, there has been limited focus on the exploitation of aquatic non-fish animals for food and other purposes. Understanding the scope and potential threat of aquatic wild meat exploitation is an important first step toward appropriate inclusion on the international policy and conservation management agenda. Here, we conduct a review of the literature, and present an overview of the contemporary use of aquatic megafauna (ce...
Revista de Biología Tropical, 2022
Introducción: Los mamíferos marinos están siendo afectados por diferentes amenazas que causan un ... more Introducción: Los mamíferos marinos están siendo afectados por diferentes amenazas que causan un efecto negativo a las especies o poblaciones. Para mitigar estos impactos se requiere establecer para cada especie la variación espacial y temporal de estas amenazas. Objetivo: realizar una visualización cuantitativa de las amenazas que afectan a las especies de mamíferos marinos en Colombia en las últimas tres décadas, e identificar las acciones necesarias para mitigar dichas amenazas. Métodos: En el presente estudio se realizó una revisión y georreferenciación de las amenazas documentadas para los mamíferos marinos presentes en Colombia (35 especies) entre 1991 y 2020. Se generó una base de datos con amenazas identificadas, localizadas y fechadas. Adicionalmente se crearon mapas de riesgos, superponiendo los diferentes taxones y amenazas para poder visualizar un panorama general de donde están ocurriendo las amenazas en Colombia. Resultados: El 63 % de los mamíferos marinos en Colombia...
Caldasia, 2021
Se registraron los primeros avistamientos de elefantes marinos, probablemente elefantes marinos d... more Se registraron los primeros avistamientos de elefantes marinos, probablemente elefantes marinos del sur, Mirounga leonina, en la costa Pacífica de Colombia. Un juvenil macho fue registrado en las playas de Piangüita y Magüipi (Valle del Cauca), del 23 al 25 de enero de 2018. Días después, el 22 de febrero de 2018, se reportó un juvenil macho, aparentemente el mismo individuo, más al norte en la playa de Guachalito (Chocó). Luego, entre el 29 de diciembre de 2019 y el 20 de enero 2020, en la playa de El Medio, desembocadura del río Yurumanguí (Valle del Cauca), se avistó un grupo de tres individuos subadultos; este avistamiento fue confirmado el 3 de enero de 2020, al registrar un individuo subadulto macho aparentemente en buena condición corporal. También fue registrado un individuo subadulto en estado avanzado de descomposición en el río Guapi el 8 de enero 2021. Estos registros están dentro de los más septentrionales para M. leonina con un desplazamiento de entre 5000 8000 Km des...
ICES Journal of Marine Science, 2020
During the austral winter, G-stock humpback whales, Megaptera novaeangliae, migrate to the Tropic... more During the austral winter, G-stock humpback whales, Megaptera novaeangliae, migrate to the Tropical Eastern Pacific to breed. To analyse if the whale migration times have changed over time, we analysed 31 years (1988–2018) of arrival and departure times to Gorgona National Park, Colombia, an important breeding site. During this period, whales have significantly changed their arrival time, coming now earlier, but their departure time has not changed significantly. Hence, humpback whales now stay 1 month longer than 31 years ago. Humpbacks arrived in Gorgona at the earliest during the beginning of May and stayed at the most until late December. The change observed in the arrival time to breeding grounds could be related to ice sheet mass changes in autumn in Antarctica and increase in population size over the past decades but we were unable to determine which factor is more important in explaining the observed trend. Management decisions in Colombia need to account for a longer stay, ...
Diseases of Aquatic Organisms, 2015
We report on the epidemiology of lobomycosis-like disease (LLD), a cutaneous disorder evoking lob... more We report on the epidemiology of lobomycosis-like disease (LLD), a cutaneous disorder evoking lobomycosis, in 658 common bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus from South America and 94 Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins T. aduncus from southern Africa. Photographs and stranding records of 387 inshore residents, 60 inshore non-residents and 305 specimens of undetermined origin (inshore and offshore) were examined for the presence of LLD lesions from 2004 to 2015. Seventeen residents, 3 non-residents and 1 inshore dolphin of unknown residence status were positive. LLD lesions appeared as single or multiple, light grey to whitish nodules and plaques that may ulcerate and increase in size over time. Among resident dolphins, prevalence varied significantly among 4 communities, being low in
Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals, 2007
We succinctly review and document new cases of diseases of the skin and the skeletal system and e... more We succinctly review and document new cases of diseases of the skin and the skeletal system and external traumata
in cetaceans from Ecuador, Colombia, Peru, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, and Venezuela. The survey revealed 590 cases
diagnosed with a significant pathology, injury or malformation on a total of 7635 specimens of 12 odontocete species examined
or observed in 1984-2007. Tattoo skin disease (TSD), lobomycosis-like disease (LLD) and cutaneous diseases of unknown aetiology
seem to be emerging in several populations. TSD was confirmed in eight species from the SE Pacific and SW Atlantic. LLD
affected only inshore Tursiops truncatus but was found in four tropical countries, namely Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Brazil.
Lobomycosis was confirmed by histology in one male from the Tramandaí estuary, southern Brazil. All LLD-affected specimens
were encountered in the vicinity of major ports and cities and a possible association with chemical or organic water pollution
is suspected. Whitish velvety cutaneous marks associated with scars occurred in inshore T. truncatus, Sotalia guianensis and
Pseudorca crassidens. Large, rounded lesions were seen in a Cephalorhynchus eutropia calf and a C. commersonii. Cutaneous wounds
and scars as well as body traumata possibly related to net entanglements and boat collisions were observed in 73 delphinids
and Phocoena spinipinnis. Traumatic injuries resulted in the partial or complete amputation and other disfiguring scars of
appendages in 17 cases. Fractures of the skull, ribs and vertebrae thought to be caused by fisheries-related interactions or boat
collisions were seen in single individuals of Delphinus capensis, Lagenorhynchus obscurus, T. truncatus, S. guianensis and Ziphius
cavirostris. Prevalence of osteopathology in small cetaceans from Peru, Brazil and Venezuela ranged widely, from 5.4% to
69.1%. In four species from Peru, lytic cranial lesions were the most frequently observed disease (5.4%-42.9%), followed by
hyperostosis and ankylosing spondylitis in offshore (31%, n=42) and inshore (15.4%, n=26) T. truncatus. Fractures and other
bone traumata were present in 47.2% of 53 axial skeletons of S. guianensis from the northern Rio de Janeiro state (Brazil) in 1987-
1998. A high prevalence (48.4%, n=31) of, apparently congenital, malformations of cervical vertebrae, observed in a 2001-2006
sample, may be explained by a hypothetical genetic bottleneck in this population. Malformations with deficient ossification
would clearly increase susceptibility for fractures. This study demonstrates the utility of a continent-wide analysis to discern
epizootiological trends more readily than any local study could provide. Secondly, it underscores the need for focussed research
on the effects of human activities on the spread of diseases in cetaceans, particularly in near-shore populations that utilize
highly degraded coastal habitats.
Frontiers in Marine Science, 2022
Wild animals are captured or taken opportunistically, and the meat, body parts, and/or eggs are c... more Wild animals are captured or taken opportunistically, and the meat, body parts, and/or eggs are consumed for local subsistence or used for traditional purposes to some extent across most of the world, particularly in the tropics and subtropics. The consumption of aquatic animals is widespread, in some places has been sustained for millennia, and can be an important source of nutrition, income, and cultural identity to communities. Yet, economic opportunities to exploit wildlife at higher levels have led to unsustainable exploitation of some species. In the literature, there has been limited focus on the exploitation of aquatic non-fish animals for food and other purposes. Understanding the scope and potential threat of aquatic wild meat exploitation is an important first step toward appropriate inclusion on the international policy and conservation management agenda. Here, we conduct a review of the literature, and present an overview of the contemporary use of aquatic megafauna (cetaceans, sirenians, chelonians, and crocodylians) in the global tropics and subtropics, for species listed on the Appendices of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS). We find that consumption of aquatic megafauna is widespread in coastal regions, although to varying degrees, and that some species are likely to be at risk from overexploitation, particularly riverine megafauna. Finally, we provide recommendations for CMS in the context of the mandate of the Aquatic Wild Meat Working Group.
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Papers by Isabel C . Avila
https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.48.6.2022.559
in cetaceans from Ecuador, Colombia, Peru, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, and Venezuela. The survey revealed 590 cases
diagnosed with a significant pathology, injury or malformation on a total of 7635 specimens of 12 odontocete species examined
or observed in 1984-2007. Tattoo skin disease (TSD), lobomycosis-like disease (LLD) and cutaneous diseases of unknown aetiology
seem to be emerging in several populations. TSD was confirmed in eight species from the SE Pacific and SW Atlantic. LLD
affected only inshore Tursiops truncatus but was found in four tropical countries, namely Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Brazil.
Lobomycosis was confirmed by histology in one male from the Tramandaí estuary, southern Brazil. All LLD-affected specimens
were encountered in the vicinity of major ports and cities and a possible association with chemical or organic water pollution
is suspected. Whitish velvety cutaneous marks associated with scars occurred in inshore T. truncatus, Sotalia guianensis and
Pseudorca crassidens. Large, rounded lesions were seen in a Cephalorhynchus eutropia calf and a C. commersonii. Cutaneous wounds
and scars as well as body traumata possibly related to net entanglements and boat collisions were observed in 73 delphinids
and Phocoena spinipinnis. Traumatic injuries resulted in the partial or complete amputation and other disfiguring scars of
appendages in 17 cases. Fractures of the skull, ribs and vertebrae thought to be caused by fisheries-related interactions or boat
collisions were seen in single individuals of Delphinus capensis, Lagenorhynchus obscurus, T. truncatus, S. guianensis and Ziphius
cavirostris. Prevalence of osteopathology in small cetaceans from Peru, Brazil and Venezuela ranged widely, from 5.4% to
69.1%. In four species from Peru, lytic cranial lesions were the most frequently observed disease (5.4%-42.9%), followed by
hyperostosis and ankylosing spondylitis in offshore (31%, n=42) and inshore (15.4%, n=26) T. truncatus. Fractures and other
bone traumata were present in 47.2% of 53 axial skeletons of S. guianensis from the northern Rio de Janeiro state (Brazil) in 1987-
1998. A high prevalence (48.4%, n=31) of, apparently congenital, malformations of cervical vertebrae, observed in a 2001-2006
sample, may be explained by a hypothetical genetic bottleneck in this population. Malformations with deficient ossification
would clearly increase susceptibility for fractures. This study demonstrates the utility of a continent-wide analysis to discern
epizootiological trends more readily than any local study could provide. Secondly, it underscores the need for focussed research
on the effects of human activities on the spread of diseases in cetaceans, particularly in near-shore populations that utilize
highly degraded coastal habitats.
https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.48.6.2022.559
in cetaceans from Ecuador, Colombia, Peru, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, and Venezuela. The survey revealed 590 cases
diagnosed with a significant pathology, injury or malformation on a total of 7635 specimens of 12 odontocete species examined
or observed in 1984-2007. Tattoo skin disease (TSD), lobomycosis-like disease (LLD) and cutaneous diseases of unknown aetiology
seem to be emerging in several populations. TSD was confirmed in eight species from the SE Pacific and SW Atlantic. LLD
affected only inshore Tursiops truncatus but was found in four tropical countries, namely Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Brazil.
Lobomycosis was confirmed by histology in one male from the Tramandaí estuary, southern Brazil. All LLD-affected specimens
were encountered in the vicinity of major ports and cities and a possible association with chemical or organic water pollution
is suspected. Whitish velvety cutaneous marks associated with scars occurred in inshore T. truncatus, Sotalia guianensis and
Pseudorca crassidens. Large, rounded lesions were seen in a Cephalorhynchus eutropia calf and a C. commersonii. Cutaneous wounds
and scars as well as body traumata possibly related to net entanglements and boat collisions were observed in 73 delphinids
and Phocoena spinipinnis. Traumatic injuries resulted in the partial or complete amputation and other disfiguring scars of
appendages in 17 cases. Fractures of the skull, ribs and vertebrae thought to be caused by fisheries-related interactions or boat
collisions were seen in single individuals of Delphinus capensis, Lagenorhynchus obscurus, T. truncatus, S. guianensis and Ziphius
cavirostris. Prevalence of osteopathology in small cetaceans from Peru, Brazil and Venezuela ranged widely, from 5.4% to
69.1%. In four species from Peru, lytic cranial lesions were the most frequently observed disease (5.4%-42.9%), followed by
hyperostosis and ankylosing spondylitis in offshore (31%, n=42) and inshore (15.4%, n=26) T. truncatus. Fractures and other
bone traumata were present in 47.2% of 53 axial skeletons of S. guianensis from the northern Rio de Janeiro state (Brazil) in 1987-
1998. A high prevalence (48.4%, n=31) of, apparently congenital, malformations of cervical vertebrae, observed in a 2001-2006
sample, may be explained by a hypothetical genetic bottleneck in this population. Malformations with deficient ossification
would clearly increase susceptibility for fractures. This study demonstrates the utility of a continent-wide analysis to discern
epizootiological trends more readily than any local study could provide. Secondly, it underscores the need for focussed research
on the effects of human activities on the spread of diseases in cetaceans, particularly in near-shore populations that utilize
highly degraded coastal habitats.
Ballenas jorobadas (Megaptera novaeangliae) en Uramba-Bahía Málaga, Valle del Cauca, Colombia, Pacífico.
Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in Uramba-Bahía Málaga, Valle del Cauca, Colombia, Pacific.
Interactions between marine mammals and fisheries in Colombia. The world's fisheries have caused serious threats to aquatic ecosystems, populations of commercial fish and aquatic mammals, as well as socio-economic losses to fishermen. At least 50 % of the species of aquatic mammals in Colombia have reported interactions with fisheries. The continental zone is the region with the highest number of interactions (86,6 %), followed by Pacific (10,9 %) and the rest in the Atlantic (2,4 %). At least 76,5% of individuals of aquatic mammals that have had some interaction with fisheries die. The most affected are the Amazon river dolphin (72,4 %) and West Indian manatee (12,3 %) living in the continental aquatic ecosystems, and the humpback whale (6,2 %) located in the Pacific Ocean. The interactions that occur between marine mammals and fisheries in Colombia threaten the survival of mammals, there are three types of interactions: 1) operational interactions when aquatic mammals interact directly with fishing gear, being entangled, wounded and dead in many cases. This type of interaction occurs at least 25,1 % of cases and affects mainly the West Indian manatee (47,2 %), the humpback whale (23,6 %) and the Amazon river dolphin (10,2 %), and involves entanglements in gillnets lines, hooks, trawl nets and seines (the interaction with purse net is not quantified). In general it is unknown exactly how many deaths, and if the animal survives, it is unknown the health status that is after the entanglement. 2) Biological interactions occur when marine mammals are seen as competing with humans for aquatic resources. This interaction occurs scarcely in Colombia, only 0,3 % of cases, and it implies only otters, giant otters mainly. 3) Interactions of directed hunting or direct exploitation, where populations of marine mammals have been slaughtered for food mainly; can also be catching them alive to bring them into captivity. Directed hunting is the type of interaction that occurs most often in Colombia, at least 74,6 % of cases, and mainly affects small cetaceans, including the Amazon river dolphin (93,6 %), followed in lesser extent, by the bottlenose dolphin (3,0 %), direct hunting of small cetaceans has as main purpose the use as bait. Aquatic mammals involved in interactions with fisheries in Colombia are mainly used as bait (40,7 %), consumption (25,9 %), alive for aquariums and to bring into captivity (25,9 %) and as amulets (7,4 %). Due to the amount of aquatic mammals involved in interactions with fisheries in Colombia, the risk that this entails causes on aquatic ecosystems and the problems of environmental and socioeconomic factors occurring, is necessary to develop a monitoring program to assess the state of the interactions between marine mammals and fisheries, and to promote fisheries management plans in local and regional levels in order to maintain the balance of aquatic ecosystems and the sustainable use of the resources.
Using non-lethal cetacean: the tourism of whale and dolphin watching as a conservation strategy in Colombia
Aquatic Mammals Colombian Pacific Region. Twenty nine species of aquatic mammals have been reported in the Colombian Pacific region, including six baleen whales, 17 toothed whales, four sea lions, a manatee and an otter. These reports correspond to 24,2 % of the global aquatic mammal diversity, and 76,3 % of those found in Colombia. This region has an important commercial and tourism potential; however, the basic biological and ecological information necessary to support management decisions is very scarce. At present, we have information about the general patterns of occurrence for the most common species; detailed information is only available for coastal species like humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and spotted dolphins (Stenella attenuata). Aquatic mammals that inhabit or visit the Colombian Pacific region face several threats: incidental and direct catch, ship collisions, the effects of noise pollution (e.g. noise of boat engines and seismic explorations), chemical pollution, depleted food sources, indiscriminate deforestation (which affects sedimentation and turbidity), unregulated tourism growth and the potential construction of mega-projects (e.g. commercial ports and oil platforms). There is also a broader threat like global climate change. As limited information is available for most aquatic mammals in the region, it is difficult to calculate or monitor the impacts of each of these threats and pressures. There are some tools aimed at improving their conservation, both at national and international levels, such as the Action Plan for the Conservation of Marine Mammals in the Southeast Pacific, the Conservation Strategy for the Southeast Pacific Humpback Whale, the Agreement on the International Dolphin Conservation Program , and the recent adhesion of Colombia to the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling and the International Whaling Commission, and the establishment of a protected areas system. It is recommended that programs to monitor population status be established and to expand the ecological knowledge of aquatic mammals of the Colombian Pacific region in relation to the main threats identified.
National action plan for the conservation of aquatic mammals in Colombia 2022-2035. This Plan proposes strategies and concrete actions for the preservation, recovery, sustainable use and knowledge of the populations of aquatic mammals that inhabit the marine and continental waters of Colombia (South America) in relation to the main threats identified in the national territory. We have structured it around five strategic lines and each of them brings together the lines of action adapted to the needs identified during the construction of this document: (i) research and monitoring; (ii) sustainable management; (iii) information and disclosure; (iv) education, training and participation, and v) a last strategic line focused on political regulations and institutional strengthening.
Available online http://www.guiadeballenas.com/english/
Disponible en linea http://www.guiadeballenas.com/
Management Plans for 18 endangered species of the Valle del Cauca, Colombia (in Spanish).
Cada plan de manejo contiene los siguientes apartados: descripción; distribución geográfica, localizando en un mapa los registros históricos (antes del año 1995) y los recientes (año 1995 en adelante) de la especie; historia natural; amenazas; medidas de protección; estado de conservación; medidas de conservación en el Valle del Cauca; y finalmente los lineamientos de manejo. Cada lineamiento de manejo presenta una propuesta de actividades concretas definidas a corto (1-3 años), mediano (3-6 años) y largo plazo (6-10 años), referidas a localidades y con los principales actores implicadas en ellas. Las especies son: tres peces (Prochilodus magdalenae, Ichthyoelephas longirostris, y Genycharax tarpon); cinco anfibios (Oophaga lehmanni, Ranitomeya bombetes, Ranitomeya viridis, Eleutherodactylus ruizi y Typhlonectes natans); seis aves (Ammodramus savannarum, Penelope ortoni, Anas cyanoptera, Ara severus, Rupicola peruvianus y Chlorochrysa nitidissima); y cuatro mamíferos (Lontra longicaudis, Dinomys branickii, Odocoileus virginianus tropicalis y Mustela felipei).
Estrategia para la conservación de la ballena jorobada del Pacífico Sudeste. Lineamientos para un plan de acción regional e iniciativas nacionales.
The Latin America and the Caribbean Marine Tiurtle Action Plan (LAC-MTAP) materializes a regional approach and will align all WWF initiatives toward marine turtle conservation in the region. The LAC-MTAP responds to urgent conservation priorities in he region toward the recovery of sea turtle populations in the Eastern Pacific, the Caribbean and the Central and Western Atlantic. The LAC-MTAP is a target-driven and maintains a long-term perspective on its approach for a better future for people and marine turtles.