Seasonal feeding on giant cuttlefish (Sepia apama) by Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) in south-western Australia

2016 ◽  
Vol 64 (1) ◽  
pp. 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. C. Smith ◽  
K. R. Sprogis
Keyword(s):  
Western Australia ◽  
Coastal Waters ◽  
Bottlenose Dolphins ◽  
Egg Laying ◽  
Abundance Distribution ◽  
Tursiops Aduncus ◽  
Sado Estuary ◽  
Sepia Apama ◽  
Prey Handling ◽  
Behavioural Sequence

We report on observations of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) feeding on giant cuttlefish (Sepia apama) from March 2007 to April 2013 in the temperate waters off Bunbury, south-western Australia. Seventeen feeding events were observed during the cooler months between July and September in relatively shallow coastal waters, with 12 dolphins identified as adult females. We observed behavioural sequences of complex prey-handling of cuttlefish where dolphins’ used multiple steps to remove the cuttlefish head, ink and cuttlebone before consuming the flesh of the cuttlefish mantle. Our study provides valuable information to the limited knowledge on the complex prey-handling by T. aduncus on cuttlefish in Australia, and is complementary to other known specialised foraging behaviours of bottlenose dolphins. This study also details a different behavioural sequence of cuttlefish prey-handling to that of the bottlenose dolphins in the Sado estuary, Portugal, where only the head is consumed, and to the Spencer Gulf, Australia, in that the dolphins in Bunbury carry the cuttlefish mantle over their rostrum before removing the cuttlebone. Information on S. apama in Bunbury is scarce, therefore studies on abundance, distribution and egg-laying sites are recommended in order to enable informed decision making and to understand the importance of S. apama to the diet of T. aduncus.

Whistle Characteristics of Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) in the Fremantle Inner Harbour, Western Australia

2016 ◽  
Vol 44 (1) ◽  
pp. 159-169 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rhianne Ward ◽  
Iain Parnum ◽  
Christine Erbe ◽  
Chandra Salgado-Kent
Keyword(s):  
Western Australia ◽  
Bottlenose Dolphins ◽  
Tursiops Aduncus

Complex prey handling of octopus by bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus)

2017 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 934-945 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kate R. Sprogis ◽  
Holly C. Raudino ◽  
David Hocking ◽  
Lars Bejder
Keyword(s):  
Bottlenose Dolphins ◽  
Tursiops Aduncus ◽  
Prey Handling

scholarly journals Distribution and Habitat Preferences of Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) Inhabiting Coastal Waters With Mixed Levels of Protection

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca Haughey ◽  
Timothy N. Hunt ◽  
Daniella Hanf ◽  
Cecilia Passadore ◽  
Ryan Baring ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Depth ◽  
Coastal Waters ◽  
High Probability ◽  
Marine Protected Area ◽  
Coastal Lagoons ◽  
Bottlenose Dolphins ◽  
Habitat Preferences ◽  
Tursiops Aduncus ◽  
Marine Park ◽  
Near Threatened

Assessments of species distributions are crucial for informing conservation and management action. In this study, we used ensemble modelling to explain the distribution of Near Threatened Indo-Pacific (IP) bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) in coastal waters at the North West Cape (NWC), Western Australia (WA), an area encompassing a marine protected area (MPA) and adjacent unprotected coastal waters. Analyses used dolphin sighting data collected during boat-based surveys conducted from 2013 to 2015 and 2018 to 2019. Overall, the distribution of IP bottlenose dolphins was best explained by distance to coast (up to 2,000 m) and distance to boat ramp (up to 7,000 m). Areas of high probability of occurrence for dolphins extended from the tip and down the eastern side of the NWC and overlapped with designated sanctuary zones as well as waters beyond the boundaries of the Ningaloo Marine Park (NMP). Distribution and habitat preferences varied slightly with season. In autumn, dolphin distribution was best explained by distance to coast and water depth with a higher likelihood of observing dolphins 1,000–2,000 m from the coast and in water depths of 7–10 m deep. During winter months, distance to coast (1,000–2,000 m) and sea surface temperature (SST) (21.5–23.5°C) were the most important explanatory variables, with presence in coastal lagoons to the west of the NWC more likely than other seasons. During spring, areas of moderate to high probability of dolphin occurrence were mainly located outside the NMP, with marine park zone (outside the NMP and Sanctuary zones within the NMP, the two zones with the highest probability of IP bottlenose dolphin occurrence) and water depth (waters 7–13 m deep) best explaining dolphin distribution. This study highlights the importance of inshore areas of the NWC for IP bottlenose dolphins and the potential vulnerability of this species to increasing and cumulative anthropogenic stressors associated with these areas. Results of this study should be considered in future zoning reviews and adaptive management efforts of the NMP allowing for effective management of this Near Threatened species.

Identification of a resident community of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) in the Swan Canning Riverpark, Western Australia, using behavioural information.

2012 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 247 ◽  
Author(s):  
Delphine Chabanne ◽  
Hugh Finn ◽  
Chandra Salgado-Kent ◽  
Lars Bedjer
Keyword(s):  
Western Australia ◽  
Permutation Test ◽  
Bottlenose Dolphins ◽  
Management Unit ◽  
Adult Males ◽  
Community Size ◽  
Association Analyses ◽  
Tursiops Aduncus ◽  
Best Fitting ◽  
Simple Ratio

Identifying appropriate management units is vital for wildlife management. Here we investigate one potential management unit — resident communities of bottlenose dolphins — using information from ranging, occupancy, and association patterns. We identify a resident community of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) in the Swan Canning Riverpark, Western Australia based on: ranging patterns, sighting rates, Lagged Identification Rates (LIR), and three measures of social affinity and structure (Simple Ratio Index, preferred dyadic association analyses, and Lagged Association Rates (LAR)). The analyses yielded an estimated ‘community size’ of 17–18 individuals (excluding calves). High seasonal sighting rates (> 0.75 sightings per season) and a long mean residence time (ca. nine years) indicated year-round residency. The model best-fitting the LIR (emigration and mortality) also supported this. The social structure of dolphins was species-typical, characterized by significant dyadic associations within agesex classes (permutation test; P < 0.001), stronger associations among adult males than among adult females (LAR males > LAR females), and temporally stable associations (LAR > null LAR). Constant companions or long-lasting association models best explained adult male and female LARs. While behavioural information identified a resident community in the Riverpark, genetic and demographic information is needed to assess its appropriateness as a management unit.

scholarly journals Examining the importance of Aberdeenshire (UK) coastal waters for North Sea bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus)

2006 ◽  
Vol 86 (1) ◽  
pp. 201-207 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen A. Stockin ◽  
Caroline R. Weir ◽  
Graham J. Pierce
Keyword(s):  
Coastal Waters ◽  
Tursiops Truncatus ◽  
Foraging Behaviour ◽  
Bottlenose Dolphins ◽  
Abundance Distribution ◽  
Form Part ◽  
Moray Firth ◽  
Special Area ◽  
Feeding Area ◽  
Peak Abundance

Using land- and vessel-based surveys, data on the relative abundance, distribution and habitat use of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in Aberdeenshire waters were collected between 1999 and 2001. Bottlenose dolphins were present throughout the year, with peak abundance during the months of March to May. The occurrence of calves was seasonal, with the proportion of calves highest during the spring months. Foraging behaviour was recorded mainly in the vicinity of Aberdeen harbour. Dolphins photographed in Aberdeenshire waters were successfully matched and confirmed as Moray Firth animals. The results of the present study suggest that Moray Firth bottlenose dolphins utilize Aberdeenshire waters more frequently than previously reported. Aberdeen harbour is apparently an important feeding area, and Aberdeenshire waters are regularly used by mother–calf pairs. This has important management implications since this area of coastline does not currently form part of the designated Special Area of Conservation (SAC) for this population.

Reduced Detection of Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) in an Inner Harbour Channel During Pile Driving Activities

2015 ◽  
Vol 41 (4) ◽  
pp. 455-468 ◽  
Author(s):  
Estênio G. Paiva ◽  
Chandra P. Salgado Kent ◽  
Marthe Monique Gagnon ◽  
Robert McCauley ◽  
Hugh Finn
Keyword(s):  
Bottlenose Dolphins ◽  
Pile Driving ◽  
Tursiops Aduncus
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