Evidence of shark attacks on Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) off Bimini, The Bahamas

2013 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 1158-1164 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelly Melillo-Sweeting ◽  
Stephen D. Turnbull ◽  
Tristan L. Guttridge
Keyword(s):  
The Bahamas ◽  
Stenella Frontalis ◽  
Shark Attacks ◽  
Atlantic Spotted Dolphins

scholarly journals Exodus! Large-scale displacement and social adjustments of resident Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) in the Bahamas

PLoS ONE ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (8) ◽  
pp. e0180304 ◽  
Author(s):  
Denise L. Herzing ◽  
Bethany N. Augliere ◽  
Cindy R. Elliser ◽  
Michelle L. Green ◽  
Adam A. Pack
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
The Bahamas ◽  
Stenella Frontalis ◽  
Atlantic Spotted Dolphins

scholarly journals Directionality of Sexual Activities During Mixed-Species Encounters between Atlantic Spotted Dolphins (Stenella frontalis) and Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus)

2013 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Denise L. Herzing ◽  
Cindy R. Elliser
Keyword(s):  
Social Interactions ◽  
Adult Male ◽  
Bottlenose Dolphin ◽  
Bottlenose Dolphins ◽  
Aggressive Behaviors ◽  
Mixed Species ◽  
The Bahamas ◽  
Stenella Frontalis ◽  
Spotted Dolphin ◽  
Atlantic Spotted Dolphins

In the Bahamas, interspecific groups of Atlantic spotted dolphins, Stenella frontalis, and bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus, have been observed underwater since 1985 on Little Bahama Bank. Mixed-species groups engage in associative behaviors and aggression on a regular basis. Because of their complex cognitive behaviors and large brain encephalization, dolphins are likely capable of complex social interactions, even between species.Between 1993-2003, 177 Mixed-Species Encounters (MSE) were categorized by the age class of male spotted dolphins, the ratio of spotted dolphins to bottlenose dolphins, behavior as Associative (traveling, babysitting, play) or Aggressive (chases, mounting, head to heads) and by directionality of sexual behavior. The majority (68%) of MSE involved adult spotted dolphin. Associative behaviors were observed more than aggressive behaviors in groups where no adult male spotted dolphin, only male calves, or male juvenile spotted dolphins were present. Aggressive behaviors were observed more frequently than associative behaviors in adult male spotted dolphin groups. When groups were unbalanced in favor of one species or the other, differences in social interactions occurred. Male spotted dolphins were never observed attempting to mount male bottlenose dolphin although they chased them. Despite the larger ratio of male spotted dolphins to bottlenose dolphins during MSE, directionality of male-to-male sexual contact was primarily one-way. Male bottlenose dolphin mounted and copulated with male spotted dolphins but not the reverse. Opportunities for cross-species mating and hybridization clearly occurred. Male bottlenose dolphins copulated with female spotted dolphins and male spotted dolphins copulated with female bottlenose dolphins. These sympatric dolphins in the Bahamas have a complex and dynamic relationship that varies with sex and age and revolves around potential reproductive isolation issues.

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