Bottlenose Dolphin Research

  Peru

• All Other Areas in Peru: 
Pisco

Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: all year

Description: There are more than 30 species of whales and dolphins registered in Peruvian waters (approximately 37 % of the world's cetacean species). The most common species to observe close to the coast are Bottlenose dolphins and Dusky dolphins.

There is however nearly nothing known about the total population size of coastal bottlenose dolphins in Peru, their ecology and spatial distribution, as well as the levels of threats they are exposed to. Our research on the natural history and distribution of bottlenose dolphins as well as the development of their populations and the mayor threats present along the coast provides for the first time ever important key baseline information for any future dolphin conservation program, as well as for the promotion of dolphin watching tourism as a sustainable economic alternative to the ongoing illegal dolphin slaughter for human consumption.

Therefore Mundo Azul started a unique and pioneering bottlenose dolphin program covering at the moment 240 kms of the central Peruvian coastline, stretching out from Limas capital Lima to the National Reserve of Paracas. The program's goals are to identify the local groups and individual dolphins along the central Peruvian coast using photo-identification and to set up a long-term monitoring program in order to identify trends of population development. We are also in process to identify core areas for feeding and reproduction.

During our dolphin research trips we are also collecting biolgical data on a number of other endemic and threatened species like Humblodt penguins, Sea lions, Peruvian diving petrels, Inca terns, etc.

Highlights: According to our research the central Peruvian coast has an average bottlenose dolphin density of 3 dolphins per km coastline and is therefore the most densely populated coast in the world (in comparison to other areas around the world that count with 0.01 -0.9 dolphins per km coastline). Peru is therefore the worlds best spot to observe bottlenose dolphins. As a volunteer you will meet every day up to 100 or even more bottlenose dolphins and you will be able to observe them during several hours per day. Peruvian bottlenose dolphins are much bigger then many of their kind in other areas (average 2.8 m). In Peru they are reaching 3.4 meters of length and have a distinct coloration pattern.

Dolphins are used to come very close to the boat (often only a meter of distance) in order to bowride. They love to jump in the breaking waves.

As a volunteer you will also to be able to observe every day a great number of other endangered or protected species like the threathened Humboldt penguin and the endangered Peruvian diving Petrell, the South American sea lion, the endemic and protected guano cormoran, the Peruvian Booby and the endemic Inca tern. In total more than 30 marine birds and shorebirds have been listed in our research area.

Along the Peruvian coast we do not know storms - so basically we can leave port on any day of the year.

The Mundo Azul dolphin research program is a unique chance to enjoy a fascinating diversity of marine wildlife.

Qualifications: As a volunteer in our dolphin research program, you will form an integral part of our research team, while leaving port every morning on Mundo Azul´s research vessel to collect important information on the dolphin population´s distribution area, their behavior and interactions.

Participation as a volunteer in the dolphin photo-identification project requires no specialized skill-set. You will be oriented and trained by our research team to participate fully in the project once you arrive at the study site. Although our field staff speaks English, a little Spanish is of course to your advantage in communications with local fishermen. The only skill we ask for is patience, which is important while learning a new language and negotiating new and different local customs.

We hope that volunteers are open to new adventures, committed to the objectives of the project, and are able to live in a simple environment, in constant and close contact with nature.

Cost in US$: 2600

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Our volunteers are nature loving, conservation oriented people of all kind of ages. The do have all kinds of professions from student to chef to scientists or office workers. They are easy going flexible and open minded, being interested in knowing other volunteers as well as local people. Many times they are highly motivated not only to enjoy the time at sea with the dolphins but to take part in photo-identification and data evaluation work back home in port at night.

Age Range: 17-50

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Peru in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups of minimum 4 more people

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Written Application

Asociacion Mundo Azul's Mission Statement: Mundo Azul contributes to the conservation of biological diversity and nature, to sustainable development, to poverty reduction and to an improved human and animal welfare.

Year Founded: 1999