scholarly journals Report of the Working Group on the Behavioral Ecology of bottlenose dolphins in the Southwest Atlantic Ocean

2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 106-120
Author(s):  
Camila Domit ◽  
Paula Laporta ◽  
Camilah A. Zappes ◽  
Liliane Lodi ◽  
Lilian S. Hoffmann ◽  
...  

In this report, we present a compilation of the behavioral patterns of bottlenose dolphins and social structure throughout the Southwest Atlantic Ocean. We have compiled and summarized available data concerning: (i) behavioral activities (states and events), (ii) social structures (group size and composition), (iii) acoustic behavior and (iv) intra and interspecific interactions of bottlenose dolphin populations throughout the SWAO, from northern Brazil to southern Argentina. Lack of systematic and standardized methodologies for data collection precludes robust data analyses in respect of bottlenose dolphin behavior. Available information suggests that the studied populations presented weak intra-population associations and that coastal individuals tend to form smaller groups than their oceanic counterparts. Bottlenose dolphins from SWAO produce stylized whistles in which the acoustic parameters are similar to published ranges around the world and some results indicate significant local inter-population variation in the acoustic parameters of the whistles. Data of intra and interspecific interactions of bottlenose dolphins in the SWAO are scarce and therefore do not fully allow a comprehensive analysis of the situational contexts.

2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 79-98 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pedro Friedrich Fruet ◽  
Camilah A. Zappes ◽  
Tatiana L. Bisi ◽  
Paulo César Simões-Lopes ◽  
Paula Laporta ◽  
...  

In this work we compiled the available information about humans and bottlenose dolphin interactions in the Southwest Atlantic Ocean (SWAO), including issues as historical direct takes, incidental captures in fisheries, positive interactions with fisheries, interactions of dolphins with tourism and boat traffic, habitat modification or degradation, and environmental pollution. The data compiled in this review demonstrated that coastal bottlenose dolphins are under anthropogenic pressure in the SWAO. Direct take of bottlenose dolphins in the wild does not appear to be an issue of conservation concern in the SWAO. Although the species is exposed to bioaccumulation of micropollutants, it is suggested that contamination level is lower when compared to bottlenose dolphins from other continents. Coastal works can impact bottlenose dolphin behavior and habitat use in a short-term, but those seem to be reversible when works stop. Bycatch occurs throughout the species distribution and seems to be occasional in Uruguayan and Argentinean waters, where there is evidence of a historic decline in dolphin sightings. In Brazil, bycatch is apparently low in the northeast and southeast coasts, but is frequent in certain areas of southern Brazil. Studies on the subject are scarce or preliminary and a great effort is still required to understand the real impact of human activities on bottlenose dolphins in the SWAO.  


10.5597/00233 ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 2-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Els Vermeulen ◽  
Ricardo Bastida ◽  
Leonardo G. Berninsone ◽  
Pablo Bordino ◽  
Mauricio Failla ◽  
...  

Although bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus are among the most common delphinid species, global population trends remain poorly understood. To improve the knowledge of the species in the Southwest Atlantic Ocean, thispaper reviews all available data related to the distribution and occurrence, abundance, residency and ranging patterns, group size and composition, survival and reproduction and population structure of the coastal bottlenose dolphin in Argentina. Most information proved to be scattered in time and space. Based on the available data, total abundance of coastal bottlenose dolphins in Argentina appears to be low. Data show sightings decreased notably since the 1990s in the northern province of Buenos Aires and the province of Chubut, with the species having disappeared completely from the former region. Data also indicated that two genetically and morphologically distinct coastal populations occur in Argentinean coastal waters, with a sympatric distribution in the provinces of Río Negro and Chubut. One is an isolated ‘Evolutionary Signifcant Unit’ within the larger Southwest Atlantic, whereas the other population appears to be genetically related to the Southwest Atlantic offshore ecotype. In the absence of more substantial data, the present information is pertinent to our scientifc knowledge of the species in the country, collating all published information as well as information from grey literature and previously unpublished data. However, the available information appears to remain insufcient to explain the apparent decline in sightings and to assess the remaining abundance nationwide accurately. Therefore, we strongly recommend increased research efforts for an in-depth assessment of the species’ population status in Argentina.


2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 99-105 ◽  
Author(s):  
Camilah A. Zappes ◽  
Lilian Sander Hoffmann ◽  
Sérgio Morón ◽  
Pedro Friedrich Fruet ◽  
Paula Laporta

Ethnobiological studies and educational projects related to bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus, Montagu, 1821) are still incipient in the Southwest Atlantic Ocean (SWAO). We review studies conducted in the region, especially Brazil, where more information is available. Proposals to implement studies related to ethnobiology and environmental education in relation to the species are also presented.


10.5597/00213 ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 16-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paulo Henrique Ott ◽  
André Silva Barreto ◽  
Salvatore Siciliano ◽  
Paula Laporta ◽  
Camila Domit ◽  
...  

This report compiles the current information on morphology, genetics, stable isotopes, acoustics and parasites of bottlenose dolphins along the Southwest Atlantic Ocean (SWAO), which includes waters of Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina. The authors also briefly review the proposed taxonomy for the genus along the Atlantic coast of South America.


10.5597/00223 ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 144-154 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paula Laporta ◽  
Pedro Fruet ◽  
Eduardo Secchi

The common bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus is often observed throughout the oceanic coast of Uruguay. Historically, its distribution was wider, including the estuary of the Río de la Plata, but currently its occurrence seems to be restricted mainly to the Uruguayan Atlantic coast (Rocha Department). Conflicting interests and tradeoffs between conservation and development are being generated in Uruguay. On one hand, the establishment of protected areas, responsible tourism and sustainable fisheries are promoted, while on the other hand, foreign exploitation of natural resources and development of mega-infrastructure in coastal zone are facilitated. In this work, we provide the first estimate of bottlenose dolphin’s abundance along the Uruguayan Atlantic coast. These results can be used as baseline information for monitoring population trends and guiding conservation actions for bottlenose dolphins in Uruguay. Mark-recapture models were applied to data of photoidentified animals with long-lasting natural marks. Total population size estimates of 63 individuals (95% CI = 54–74) and 61 (95% CI = 53–73) were obtained from closed and open population models, respectively. Although the estimates are within the range of values obtained for other coastal bottlenose dolphin populations in the Southwest Atlantic Ocean, as well as other regions of the world, it is lower than the values reported for populations inhabiting open habitats. This small population is probably vulnerable to non-natural removals, environmental and demographic stochasticity. Therefore, precautionary actions are recommended given the planned development for this coastal region.


2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 29-46 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lilian Lodi ◽  
Camila Domit ◽  
Paula Laporta ◽  
Juliana C. Di Tullio ◽  
Cristiane C. A. Martins ◽  
...  

The study reviews the information available on the distribution patterns of bottlenose dolphins within the SWAO (04oN-56oS, 25oW-67oW) including the northern portion of Brazil, covering the period from 1894 to 2011.


10.5597/00216 ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 62-70 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paula Laporta ◽  
Pedro Fruet ◽  
Salvatore Siciliano ◽  
Paulo A. Flores ◽  
Julio D. Loureiro

We review information on the biology and ecology of common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) in the Southwest Atlantic Ocean (SWAO) with emphasis on growth, feeding ecology, epizootics and parasites, predation and pathologies.


10.5597/00215 ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 47-61 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paula Laporta ◽  
Cristiane C.A. Martins ◽  
Liliane Lodi ◽  
Camila Domit ◽  
Els Vermeulen ◽  
...  

The review compiles available information about the habitat use patterns of bottlenose dolphins within the SWAO, including temporal analysis of survey effort allocation, and spatial analysis indicating areas of resident or seasonally resident populations. 


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document