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About
Research Priorities
Publications
TEAM
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CETACEA
galapagos program
our mission

To advance the understanding and conservation of Galapagos cetaceans by pioneering scientific research, fostering community engagement, and training future conservation leaders.

Through our work, we aim to protect the unique biodiversity of the Galapagos marine ecosystem, emphasizing the ecological significance of cetaceans and the need for evidence-based conservation measures.

Research Priorities

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Spatiotemporal Occurrence and Species Diversity:

Important on understanding where and when different cetacean species are found in Galapagos waters, and the patterns of their distribution throughout the year. It includes the study of migration routes, seasonal movements, and the spatial distribution of species across various habitats.
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Population and Health Assessment:

Focuses on estimating the size and structure of cetacean populations in the region, as well as assessing their overall health. It includes studying birth rates, mortality rates, morphometry, genetic diversity, and signs of disease or physical stress.
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Social and Trophic Ecology:

Explores the social structure of cetacean population such as group dynamics, collective behaviour, communication, and social interactions, as well as their feeding strategies and ecological roles within the food web. It includes studying diet, foraging strategies, and interactions with other marine species.

The Value

Research Methods:

Photo ID, drone photogrammetry, acoustic monitoring, tagging, genetics & diet analysis.

Merchandise:

Environmentally friendly products, such as shirts, reusable water bottles, and bags (Mammals).

Oportunities:

Join our expeditions, volunteer programs, internships.

Community Engagement:

Citizen science workshops and educational talks for local residents and visitors.

Publications

Scientific Papers

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2023:
Cetaceans of the Galapagos Archipelago
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Towards a Healthy Coexistence: Cetaceans and Small-Scale Fishery
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Humpback whale winter distribution and core habitats in relation to ENSO and depth off Ecuador
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Ten Years of Wildlife Health and Conservation in the Galapagos, 2013–2022
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Multiple anthropogenic stressors in the Galápagos Islands' complex social–ecological system
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Year-round presence of northern and southern hemisphere Blue Whales at the Galapagos Archipelago
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Conference Papers

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2024
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Alarcón-Ruales D, Diaz-Pazmiño S, Muñoz-Pérez J, Proaño A, Rosero P, Lewbart G. (2024) Citizen science as a tool for recording commensalism and parasitism in killer whales (Orcinus orca) and bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Galapagos Islands. IV Congreso Ecuatoriano de Mastozología. Tena, Napo. Ecuador.
Diaz-Pazmiño S, Denkinger J, Hajek-Groenendijk S, Salazar S, Proaño A, Muñoz Pérez J, Alarcón Ruales D. (2024) Galapagos Buffet: Exploring the Generalist Diet and Prey Interactions of Galapagos Killer Whales. 25th Bienal Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals. Perth, Western Australia.
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2024
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Alarcón Ruales D, Muñoz Pérez JP, Pazmiño D, Diaz- Pazmiño S, Guzmán H, Torres- Florez JP, Holmes B, Potvin D, Paez-Rosas D, Townsend K. (2024) Assessment of Population Genetics and Feeding Behavior of Blue Whales that Inhabit the Galapagos Marine Reserve. 25th Bienal Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals. Perth, Western Australia.
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2024
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Diaz-Pazmiño S, Denkinger J, Hajek-Groenendijk S, Salazar S, Proaño A, Muñoz Pérez J, Ward A, Alarcón Ruales D. (2024) Galapagos Buffet: Exploring the Generalist Diet and Prey Interactions of Galapagos Killer Whales. 25th Bienal Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals. Perth, Western Australia.
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2024
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Team

Dedicated marine ecologist with expertise in conservation research, focusing on migratory species and marine ecosystems. Leads research on sea turtles and cetaceans in Galapagos, studying species ecology while fostering community conservation.
Daniela Alarcon
PhD. Candidate, Principal Investigator
Biologist and ecologist with 20+ years' experience in marine mammals, conservation, and ecosystem management, specializing in medical writing, biodiversity research, project planning, and fundraising across tropical and temperate ecosystems.
Judith Denkinger
Senior Researcher
Marine biologist and PhD candidate studying cetacean ecology, specializing in social interactions and communication in cetaceans. Experienced diving instructor fascinated by collective behaviors in marine life from krill swarms to dolphin pods.
Santiago Diaz
PhD. Candidate
Global data scientist and expert in data-driven solutions with a focus on AI and Research.
Experienced in leveraging insights worldwide to drive impactful strategies and empower organizations through innovative technology.
Luis Rendon
Data Scientist
With 20+ years in Galápagos diving and surfing and 13 years in research, expertise includes animal movement, ecology, sea turtles, marine iguanas, cetaceans, and health, supported by 49 peer-reviewed publications and a book.
Juan Pablo
PhD.
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© Copyright 2024 Cetacea Galapagos Program
Reproduction of photographs, artwork, or other contents is prohibited without written permission.
Address: Avenida Alsacio Northia S/N, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno 200101, Ecuador
General inquiries: info@cetaceagalapagos.org