Guiana Dolphin (Sotalia guianensis) in the Maracaibo Lake System, Venezuela: conservation, threats, and population overview
Barrios-Garrido, Hector, De Turris-Morales, Kareen, and Espinoza-Rodriguez, Ninive Edilia (2021) Guiana Dolphin (Sotalia guianensis) in the Maracaibo Lake System, Venezuela: conservation, threats, and population overview. Frontiers in Marine Science, 7. 594021.
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Abstract
The Guiana dolphin (Sotalia guianensis) home range is located among Central and South American countries, in coastal habitats in the Caribbean and Atlantic Ocean. Its distribution is scattered, with multiple population centres which are under threats that vary based on local realities. We compiled and assessed biological data from multiple sources (published and unpublished data) to improve our understanding regarding the Maracaibo Lake Management Unit, which is an isolated and unique population core of this species. We identified at least two distinguishable population centres throughout the Maracaibo Lake System, one in the northern portion – in the Gulf of Venezuela, and another in the southern portion of the Maracaibo Lake itself. Both centres have differences in some biological aspects (e.g. group size and habitat use), but similarities in the human-induced pressures (e.g. intentional take, habitat degradation, and traditional use). We detailed the uses of Guiana dolphin (consumptive and non-consumptive) by community members, including the use as talismans for indigenous fishers and consumption of its meat as a religious belief (Easter period), and dolphin watching tours carried out by local companies. In one artisanal port, at least 15 animas are intentionally taken annually to be used for local consumption, shark-bait, or trade; however, we acknowledge that this annual take is likely an underestimate. Further research is needed to clarify how and at what magnitude mentioned and other key-threats are impacting over Guiana dolphin MU in the Maracaibo Lake System.
| Item ID: | 67048 |
|---|---|
| Item Type: | Article (Research - C1) |
| ISSN: | 2296-7745 |
| Keywords: | intentional take, by-catch capture, Ambient noise, heavy metals, management plan, Aquatic bushmeat |
| Copyright Information: | © 2020 Barrios-Garrido, De Turris and Espinoza-Rodriguez. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms. |
| Date Deposited: | 05 Mar 2021 00:22 |
| FoR Codes: | 31 BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES > 3103 Ecology > 310305 Marine and estuarine ecology (incl. marine ichthyology) @ 20% 41 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES > 4104 Environmental management > 410407 Wildlife and habitat management @ 30% 41 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES > 4104 Environmental management > 410401 Conservation and biodiversity @ 50% |
| SEO Codes: | 96 ENVIRONMENT > 9608 Flora, Fauna and Biodiversity > 960802 Coastal and Estuarine Flora, Fauna and Biodiversity @ 50% 96 ENVIRONMENT > 9608 Flora, Fauna and Biodiversity > 960808 Marine Flora, Fauna and Biodiversity @ 50% |
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