scholarly journals A novel mammalian social structure in Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins ( Tursiops sp.): complex male alliances in an open social network

2012 ◽  
Vol 279 (1740) ◽  
pp. 3083-3090 ◽  
Author(s):  
Srđan Randić ◽  
Richard C. Connor ◽  
William B. Sherwin ◽  
Michael Krützen
Keyword(s):  
Social Network ◽  
Bottlenose Dolphins ◽  
Mating Season ◽  
New Members ◽  
Travel Costs ◽  
Terrestrial Mammals ◽  
Shark Bay ◽  
Alternative Hypotheses ◽  
Closed Groups ◽  
Male Alliances

Terrestrial mammals with differentiated social relationships live in ‘semi-closed groups’ that occasionally accept new members emigrating from other groups. Bottlenose dolphins ( Tursiops sp.) in Shark Bay, Western Australia, exhibit a fission–fusion grouping pattern with strongly differentiated relationships, including nested male alliances. Previous studies failed to detect a group membership ‘boundary’, suggesting that the dolphins live in an open social network. However, two alternative hypotheses have not been excluded. The community defence model posits that the dolphins live in a large semi-closed ‘chimpanzee-like’ community defended by males and predicts that a dominant alliance(s) will range over the entire community range. The mating season defence model predicts that alliances will defend mating-season territories or sets of females. Here, both models are tested and rejected: no alliances ranged over the entire community range and alliances showed extensive overlap in mating season ranges and consorted females. The Shark Bay dolphins, therefore, present a combination of traits that is unique among mammals: complex male alliances in an open social network. The open social network of dolphins is linked to their relatively low costs of locomotion. This reveals a surprising and previously unrecognized convergence between adaptations reducing travel costs and complex intergroup–alliance relationships in dolphins, elephants and humans.

scholarly journals Sociality and tattoo skin disease among bottlenose dolphins in Shark Bay, Australia

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 459-466 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah N Powell ◽  
Megan M Wallen ◽  
Madison L Miketa ◽  
Ewa Krzyszczyk ◽  
Vivienne Foroughirad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Network ◽  
Social Behavior ◽  
Disease Transmission ◽  
Skin Disease ◽  
Skin Diseases ◽  
Bottlenose Dolphins ◽  
Shark Bay ◽  
Infection Dynamics ◽  
The Social ◽  
First Year Of Life

Abstract Social behavior is an important driver of infection dynamics, though identifying the social interactions that foster infectious disease transmission is challenging. Here we examine how social behavior impacts disease transmission in Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) using an easily identifiable skin disease and social network data. We analyzed tattoo skin disease (TSD) lesions based on photographs collected as part of a 34-year longitudinal study in relation to the sociality of T. aduncus using three metrics (degree, time spent socializing, and time in groups) and network structure, using the k-test. We show that calves with TSD in the second year of life associated more with TSD-positive individuals in the first year of life compared with calves that did not have TSD. Additionally, the network k-test showed that the social network links are epidemiologically relevant for transmission. However, degree, time spent in groups, and time spent socializing were not significantly different between infected and uninfected groups. Our findings indicate that association with infected individuals is predictive of an individual’s risk for TSD and that the social association network can serve as a proxy for studying the epidemiology of skin diseases in bottlenose dolphins.

Further evidence of a context-specific agonistic signal in bottlenose dolphins: the influence of consortships and group size on the pop vocalization

Behaviour ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 152 (14) ◽  
pp. 1979-2000 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicole L. Vollmer ◽  
Lee-Ann C. Hayek ◽  
Michael R. Heithaus ◽  
Richard C. Connor
Keyword(s):  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Group Size ◽  
Bottlenose Dolphin ◽  
Bottlenose Dolphins ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Shark Bay ◽  
Average Group ◽  
Context Specific ◽  
Male Alliances ◽  
Average Group Size

Pops are a low-frequency, pulsed vocalization produced by Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiopscf.aduncus) in Shark Bay, Western Australia and are often heard when male alliances are consorting or ‘herding’ a female. Previous research indicated that pops produced in this context are an agonistic ‘come-hither’ demand produced by males and directed at female consorts. Here we examine pop occurrence during focal follows on bottlenose dolphin alliances with and without female consorts present. Regression analysis was conducted to determine if pop numbers were higher in the presence of female consorts, and if variables including group size alone and the interaction between presence/absence of a consortship and group size, influenced pop production. While the presence or absence of a consortship significantly affected the number of pops, average group size had no significant effect on pop production. Our research provides further evidence that the pop vocalization plays an important role in consortships.

‘O father: where art thou?’- Paternity assessment in an open fission-fusion society of wild bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops sp.) in Shark Bay, Western Australia

2004 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 1975-1990 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Krützen ◽  
Lynne M. Barré ◽  
Richard C. Connor ◽  
Janet Mann ◽  
William B. Sherwin
Keyword(s):  
Western Australia ◽  
Bottlenose Dolphins ◽  
Shark Bay

scholarly journals Abundance, survival and temporary emigration of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops sp.) off Useless Loop in the western gulf of Shark Bay, Western Australia

2012 ◽  
Vol 63 (11) ◽  
pp. 1059 ◽  
Author(s):  
Krista Nicholson ◽  
Lars Bejder ◽  
Simon J. Allen ◽  
Michael Krützen ◽  
Kenneth H. Pollock
Keyword(s):  
Western Australia ◽  
Bottlenose Dolphins ◽  
Early Spring ◽  
Anthropogenic Activity ◽  
Apparent Survival ◽  
Photo Identification ◽  
Temporary Emigration ◽  
Shark Bay ◽  
Abundance Estimates ◽  
Capture Recapture

Capture–recapture models were used to provide estimates of abundance, apparent survival and temporary emigration of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops sp.) in a 226-km2 study area off Useless Loop in the western gulf of Shark Bay, Western Australia. Photo-identification data were collected during boat-based surveys in Austral autumn to early spring (April–September) from 2007 to 2011. Abundance estimates varied from 115 (s.e. 5.2, 95% CI 105–126) individuals in 2008 to 208 (s.e. 17.3, 95% CI 177–245) individuals in 2010. The variability in abundance estimates is likely to be a reflection of how individuals used the study area, rather than fluctuations in true population size. The best fitting capture–recapture model suggested a random temporary emigration pattern and, when coupled with relatively high temporary emigration rates (0.33 (s.e. 0.07) – 0.66 (s.e. 0.05)) indicated that the study area did not cover the entire ranges of the photo-identified dolphins. Apparent survival rate is a product of true survival and permanent emigration and was estimated annually at 0.95 (s.e. 0.02). Since permanent emigration from the study area is unlikely, true survival was estimated to be close to 0.95. This study provides a robust baseline for future comparisons of dolphin demographics, which may be of importance should climate change or increasing anthropogenic activity affect this population.

Concentrations of electrolytes, hormones, and other constituents in fresh postmortem blood and urine of fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus)

2001 ◽  
Vol 79 (3) ◽  
pp. 438-446 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Kjeld
Keyword(s):  
Bottlenose Dolphins ◽  
Serum Triglyceride ◽  
Urine Osmolality ◽  
Serum Cortisol ◽  
Balaenoptera Physalus ◽  
Terrestrial Mammals ◽  
Serum Aldosterone ◽  
Urinary Potassium ◽  
Postmortem Blood ◽  
Fin Whales

Concentrations of various blood and urine constituents were measured on postmortem samples from 286 fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) caught off Iceland during the summers of 1981–1989. Measurements were carried out on both serum and urine from 21 whales so that results could be compared. The mean serum urea concentration in fin whales was similar to that in odontocetes but 5 times higher than in domesticated terrestrial mammals. Serum triglyceride concentrations were twice as high as in fasting man and showed no diurnal peaks. Serum cortisol concentrations were about 2 times lower than in domestic mammals and showed neither diurnal variation nor a significant correlation with chase time (time from sighting until killing). Serum aldosterone concentrations were similar to those in bottlenose dolphins and, as expected, showed a negative correlation with urinary Na+ concentration. Blood thyroxine levels correlated significantly (p < 0.003) with chase time. Mean urinary potassium concentrations were 6 times higher than average seawater levels, while sodium and chloride levels were about 2–3 times higher than in humans but never as high as those in seawater. Urinary magnesium levels were 4–5 times higher than in domestic animals but less than half those in seawater. Average urine osmolality was higher than in seawater.

Wound Healing in the Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)

1985 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 216-228 ◽  
Author(s):  
L J. Bruce-Allen ◽  
J. R. Geraci
Keyword(s):  
Wound Healing ◽  
Bottlenose Dolphin ◽  
Tursiops Truncatus ◽  
Bottlenose Dolphins ◽  
Epidermal Cells ◽  
Basal Cells ◽  
Epidermal Thickness ◽  
Mixed Cell ◽  
Terrestrial Mammals ◽  
Sterile Seawater

Early stages of wound healing were characterized in three bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). A total of six 10-cm-long, 2-mm-deep incisions into the dermis were infused with sterile seawater for 30 min. Biopsies representing all surfaces of the cuts were taken at 2, 6, and 12 h and 1, 2, 3, 7, and 10 d. Histologically, wounds from 6 through 72 h were characterized by a mixed cell infiltrate predominated by neutrophils, and extensive areas of intraepidermal vesicles. Migrating epidermal cells bridged the incisional gap by 2 d, while elevated mitotic activity of basal cells restored full epidermal thickness by day 7. Notable was the absence of a traditional scab; its purpose was served by a transformed barrier layer of epidermal cells and vesicles. As well, an abnormal intracellular distribution of melanosomes typified new epidermal cells. The sequence and timing of healing in Tursiops are similar to those reported in terrestrial mammals; differences in the appearance of healing are most likely due to adaptations to an aquatic lifestyle.

Distribution and Abundance of Dugongs, Turtles, Dolphins and other Megafauna in Shark Bay, Ningaloo Reef and Exmouth Gulf, Western Australia

1997 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 185 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. R. Preen ◽  
H. Marsh ◽  
I. R. Lawler ◽  
R. I. T. Prince ◽  
R. Shepherd
Keyword(s):  
Western Australia ◽  
Bottlenose Dolphins ◽  
Large Population ◽  
World Heritage ◽  
Shark Bay ◽  
Ningaloo Reef ◽  
Marine Park ◽  
Whale Sharks ◽  
Exmouth Gulf ◽  
Marine Megafauna

Strip-transect aerial surveys of Shark Bay, Ningaloo Reef and Exmouth Gulf were conducted during the winters of 1989 and 1994. These surveys were designed primarily to estimate the abundance and distribution of dugongs, although they also allowed sea turtles and dolphins, and, to a lesser extent, whales, manta rays and whale sharks to be surveyed. Shark Bay contains a large population of dugongs that is of international significance. Estimates of approximately 10000 dugongs resulted from both surveys. The density of dugongs is the highest recorded in Australia and the Middle East, where these surveys have been conducted. Exmouth Gulf and Ningaloo Reef are also important dugong habitats, each supporting in the order of 1000 dugongs. The estimated number of turtles in Shark Bay is comparable to the number in Exmouth Gulf plus Ningaloo Reef (7000–9000). The density of turtles in Ningaloo Reef and, to a lesser extent, Exmouth Gulf is exceptionally high compared with most other areas that have been surveyed by the same technique. Shark Bay supports a substantial population of bottlenose dolphins (2000–3000 minimum estimate). Exmouth Gulf and Ningaloo Reef were not significant habitats for dolphins during the winter surveys. Substantial numbers of whales (primarily humpbacks) and manta rays occur in northern and western Shark Bay in winter. Ningaloo Reef is an important area for whale sharks and manta rays in autumn and winter. The Shark Bay Marine Park excludes much of the winter habitats of the large vertebrate fauna of Shark Bay. In 1989 and 1994, more than half of all the dugongs were seen outside the Marine Park (57·4 and 50·7%, respectively). Approximately one-third to one-half of turtles and dolphins were seen outside the Marine Park (in 1989 and 1994 respectively: turtles, 43 and 27%; dolphins, 47 and 32%). Almost all the whales and most of the manta rays were seen outside the Marine Park. Expansion of the Shark Bay Marine Park, to bring it into alignment with the marine section of the Shark Bay World Heritage Area, would facilitate the appropriate management of these populations. This would also simplify the State– Commonwealth collaboration necessary to meet the obligations of World Heritage listing. The coastal waters of Western Australia north of the surveyed area (over 6000 km of coastline) are relatively poorly known and surveys of their marine megafauna are required for wise planning and management.

Sex Differences in Patterns of Association Among Indian Ocean Bottlenose Dolphins

Behaviour ◽  
1992 ◽  
Vol 123 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 38-69 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel A. Smolker ◽  
Andrew F. Richards ◽  
Richard C. Connor ◽  
John W. Pepper
Keyword(s):  
Sex Differences ◽  
Bottlenose Dolphins ◽  
Same Sex ◽  
Reproductive State ◽  
Discrete Subgroups ◽  
Party Size ◽  
Shark Bay ◽  
Association Coefficients ◽  
Males And Females

AbstractPatterns of association among bottlenose dolphins resident in Shark Bay, Western Australia were analyzed using party membership data. Parties contained an average of 4.8 individuals, but party size and composition were unstable. While these temporary parties often contained both males and females, long term consistent associations generally were between members of the same sex. The highest association coefficients, resulting from very frequent co-occurrence within parties were between males and between mothers and offspring. Males formed subgroups of two or three individuals who consistently associated with each other, and these were stable over periods of at least seven years in some cases. Male subgroups preferentially associated with particular other male subgroups. Females associated most consistently with other females, although not to the same extent as some males. Female associations were better described as a network rather than discrete subgroups. Male-female associations were generally inconsistent and depended in part on female reproductive state. Mothers and their offspring associated very consistently for at least 4 years.

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