Cethus in the field...

Since several years now, Commerson’s dolphins (Cephalorhynchus commersonii) in Bahía San Julián, and Southern right whales (Eubalaena australis) in Cabo Virgenes - in the proximity of the Magellan Strait, were again the focus of our fieldwork in the Summer season 2008-2009 in Santa Cruz Province. Besides, as part of the Southern right whale Project, aerial-census were conducted in the south of Golfo San Jorge, in search of specimens of Southern right whale that will allow us, not only to develop a photographic catalog of the whales that visit the waters of this gulf, but also to compare it with the catalogs of researchers in other study areas such as Península Valdés, and even in other countries like Brazil, with the aim of determine if individuals that we observe are also seen in other areas.
In the vicinity of Puerto San Julián, on La Mina beach which is 30 km from the city, and in Cabo Vírgenes we also had the opportunity to collect data on Peale’s dolphins (Lagenorhynchus australis), species of cetacean that inhabits only the southern tip of South America and are the target of our research work in different locations of the province. There are many aspects of Peale’s dolphins biology that remain unknown.

With regard to Commerson’s dolphin, during this campaign we observed at least 4 calves, within the Bahía San Julian and 3 new individuals were identified, which were called Dan, Mik and Tito (the latter in honor of a friend of Cethus who left us 2 years ago). Also, as part of the work whit this species, studies of population genetics that have been carried out since 2004 were continued.



Similarly, we were able to complete the cleaning of the skeletons of two specimens that were found in previous years in the proximity of Puerto San Julian: a Spectacled porpoise (Phocoena dioptrica) and one Strap-toothed beaked whale (Mesoplodon layardii). Both individuals belong to relatively rare species, and of which there are very few records of individuals seen alive, so the recovery of these skeletons is very important to know more about them.

Although in some cases working conditions become difficult, we are proud of giving our best effort and of the teamwork developed together with our volunteers and people who unselfishly support us to whom we are deeply grateful.
We would like to also thank WDCS (Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society), Petrobras Energia S.A., IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare), Prefectura Naval Argentina, and Subsecretaría de Medio Ambiente (Undersecretary for Environment) and Consejo Agrario Provincial (Provincial Agrarian Council) Santa Cruz Province whose support is essential for the execution of our work.