scholarly journals Common Bottlenose Dolphin, Tursiops truncatus, Behavioral Response to a Record-Breaking Flood Event in Pensacola Bay, Florida

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 351-369
Author(s):  
Shauna McBride-Kebert ◽  
Christina N. Toms
Keyword(s):  
Tursiops Truncatus ◽  
Bottlenose Dolphins ◽  
Distribution Models ◽  
Density Estimates ◽  
Estuary Mouth ◽  
Low Salinity ◽  
Kernel Density Estimates ◽  
Common Bottlenose Dolphin ◽  
Dolphin Population ◽  
Health Complications

Common bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus, can suffer health complications from prolonged freshwater exposure; however, little is known about how dolphins behaviorally respond to flood events. We investigated whether dolphins mitigated their freshwater exposure by moving south towards the estuary mouth and/or towards deeper areas with higher salinities in response to a record-breaking flood in Pensacola Bay, Florida. In total, 144 dolphin groups observed during 45 population dynamic surveys were analyzed across two flood-impacted sampling sessions and their respective seasonal control sessions. Kernel density estimates demonstrated southern movement towards the estuary mouth during flood-impacted sessions, but this distribution change was limited. Species distribution models showed that dolphins did not move to deeper areas after the flood and dolphin distribution was not substantially altered by flood-induced salinity changes. The estuary system exhibits strongly stratified waters with broad salinity ranges even during the flood. Dolphins may have mitigated the severity of freshwater exposure by capitalizing on these stratified areas as they continued to use habitat affected by the flood. A lack of avoidance of low salinity could result in this dolphin population being at greater risk for health problems, which should be considered in future population management and conservation.

scholarly journals Genetic divergence and fine scale population structure of the common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus, Montagu) found in the Gulf of Guayaquil, Ecuador

PeerJ ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. e4589 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosa de los Ángeles Bayas-Rea ◽  
Fernando Félix ◽  
Rommel Montufar
Keyword(s):  
Population Structure ◽  
Bottlenose Dolphin ◽  
Tursiops Truncatus ◽  
Bottlenose Dolphins ◽  
Western Coast ◽  
Common Bottlenose Dolphin ◽  
Dolphin Population ◽  
The Common ◽  
Gulf Of Guayaquil ◽  
Outer Estuary

The common bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops truncatus, is widely distributed along the western coast of South America. In Ecuador, a resident population of bottlenose dolphins inhabits the inner estuarine area of the Gulf of Guayaquil located in the southwestern part of the country and is under threat from different human activities in the area. Only one genetic study on South American common bottlenose dolphins has been carried out to date, and understanding genetic variation of wildlife populations, especially species that are identified as threatened, is crucial for defining conservation units and developing appropriate conservation strategies. In order to evaluate the evolutionary link of this population, we assessed the phylogenetic relationships, phylogeographic patterns, and population structure using mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). The sampling comprised: (i) 31 skin samples collected from free-ranging dolphins at three locations in the Gulf of Guayaquil inner estuary, (ii) 38 samples from stranded dolphins available at the collection of the “Museo de Ballenas de Salinas,” (iii) 549 mtDNA control region (mtDNA CR) sequences from GenBank, and (iv) 66 concatenated sequences from 7-mtDNA regions (12S rRNA, 16S rRNA, NADH dehydrogenase subunit I–II, cytochrome oxidase I and II, cytochrome b, and CR) obtained from mitogenomes available in GenBank. Our analyses indicated population structure between both inner and outer estuary dolphin populations as well as with distinct populations of T. truncatus using mtDNA CR. Moreover, the inner estuary bottlenose dolphin (estuarine bottlenose dolphin) population exhibited lower levels of genetic diversity than the outer estuary dolphin population according to the mtDNA CR. Finally, the estuarine bottlenose dolphin population was genetically distinct from other T. truncatus populations based on mtDNA CR and 7-mtDNA regions. From these results, we suggest that the estuarine bottlenose dolphin population should be considered a distinct lineage. This dolphin population faces a variety of anthropogenic threats in this area; thus, we highlight its fragility and urge authorities to issue prompt management and conservation measures.

scholarly journals Physiological Effects of Low Salinity Exposure on Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus)

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 61-75 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abby M. McClain ◽  
Risa Daniels ◽  
Forrest M. Gomez ◽  
Sam H. Ridgway ◽  
Ryan Takeshita ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Records ◽  
Tursiops Truncatus ◽  
Bottlenose Dolphins ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Low Salinity ◽  
Worldwide Distribution ◽  
Salinity Levels ◽  
Seawater Environment ◽  
Future Work ◽  
Free Ranging

Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) have a worldwide distribution in temperate and tropical waters and often inhabit estuarine environments, indicating their ability to maintain homeostasis in low salinity for limited periods of time. Epidermal and biochemical changes associated with low salinity exposure have been documented in stranded bottlenose dolphins; however, these animals are often found severely debilitated or deceased and in poor condition. Dolphins in the U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program travel globally, navigating varied environments comparable to those in which free-ranging dolphins are observed. A retrospective analysis was performed of medical records from 46 Navy dolphins and blood samples from 43 Navy dolphins exposed to a variety of salinity levels for different durations over 43 years (from 1967–2010). Blood values from samples collected during low salinity environmental exposure (salinity ranging from 0–30 parts per thousand (ppt) were compared to samples collected while those same animals were in a seawater environment (31–35 ppt). Epidermal changes associated with low salinity exposure were also assessed. Significant decreases in serum sodium, chloride, and calculated serum osmolality and significant increases in blood urea nitrogen and aldosterone were observed in blood samples collected during low salinity exposure. Epidermal changes were observed in 35% of the animals that spent time in low salinity waters. The prevalence of epidermal changes was inversely proportional to the level of salinity to which the animals were exposed. Future work is necessary to fully comprehend the impacts of low salinity exposure in bottlenose dolphins, but the physiological changes observed in this study will help improve our understanding of the upper limit of duration and the lower limit of salinity in which a bottlenose dolphin can maintain homeostasis.

scholarly journals Development and Validation of Monoclonal and Polyclonal Antibodies for the Detection of Immunoglobulin G of Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops Truncatus)

2007 ◽  
Vol 19 (5) ◽  
pp. 465-470 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hendrik H. Nollens ◽  
Linda G. Green ◽  
Diane Duke ◽  
Michael T. Walsh ◽  
Beth Chittick ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Monoclonal Antibodies ◽  
Polyclonal Antibody ◽  
Immunoglobulin G ◽  
Bottlenose Dolphin ◽  
Tursiops Truncatus ◽  
Bottlenose Dolphins ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Common Bottlenose Dolphin ◽  
Circulating Antibodies ◽  
The Common

Antibodies directed against species-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) have a broad range of applications in serologic and immunologic research and in the development of clinical assays. Validated anti-IgG antibodies for marine mammal species are in short supply. The objective of this study was to produce and validate antibodies with specificity for IgG of the common bottlenose dolphin ( Tursiops truncatus). Bottlenose dolphin IgG was purified using protein G. Two mouse monoclonal antibodies and a rabbit polyclonal antibody were developed from mice and rabbits immunized with bottlenose dolphin IgG. The specificity of the monoclonal antibodies and the polyclonal antibody for bottlenose dolphin IgG was first verified by Western blot analysis and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). For further validation, both monoclonal antibodies and the polyclonal antibody were incorporated in an indirect ELISA for the detection of the immune response of bottlenose dolphins to a vaccine antigen. Three bottlenose dolphins were immunized with a commercial Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae vaccine, and serial blood samples were collected from all dolphins for measurement of levels of circulating antibodies. Seroconversion was observed in all 3 dolphins by use of both monoclonal antibodies and the polyclonal antibody. Circulating antibodies were detectable as early as 6 days after immunization in 1 dolphin. Peak antibody levels were detected 14 days after the immunization. The ability to detect seroconversion in all 3 immunized bottlenose dolphins firmly establishes the specificity of the monoclonal antibodies and the polyclonal antibody for IgG of the common bottlenose dolphin.

scholarly journals Nautical tourism affects common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus M.) foraging success in a NATURA 2000 site, North-Eastern Adriatic Sea

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
DARJA RIBARIC ◽  
JACK CLARKSON
Keyword(s):  
West Coast ◽  
Tursiops Truncatus ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Bottlenose Dolphins ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Natura 2000 ◽  
Common Bottlenose Dolphin ◽  
Key Species ◽  
Natura 2000 Site ◽  
Dolphin Watching

Several studies indicate that unregulated nautical tourism can have negative implications on cetacean behaviour. In recent years, dolphin watching activities (DWA) have increased off the West coast of Istria, Croatia, a region in which the NATURA 2000 site: ‘Akvatorij zapadne Istre’ has been proposed to be designated for bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus M.). For data collected between 2016 and 2019, we compared dolphin group behaviours from this region during impact (presence of nautical tourism boats (NTBs)) and control (absence of NTBs) scenarios, as well as providing descriptive analysis on the displacement of individuals in the presence of NTBs. Throughout the study years, 48.5 % of NTBs were observed within 15m of the dolphin focal groups and 97 % were observed within 50 m distance. The greatest rates of displacement in dolphin focal groups occurred when NTB numbers were greatest per individual dolphin. Markov chain analysis were used to quantify the short-term effects of NTB presence on dolphin behaviour. In the presence of NTBs, dolphins were more likely to spend time milling and less time foraging. Cumulative behavioural budgets, derived by accounting for the time bottlenose dolphins spent in the presence or absence of NTBs, indicated that vessel exposure levels of 14 % and 25 % were enough to statistically affect milling and foraging behaviours respectively. To lessen the lack of sustainable DWA, the implementation of relevant guidelines, e.g. Global Best Practice Guidance for Responsible Whale and Dolphin Watching (50 m no approach and 300 m caution zone) is therefore crucial to mitigate any long-term consequences the actions of NTBs may have on this key species. To date, 162 bottlenose dolphins have been photo-identified off West coast of Istria and cumulative interference to this population could affect direct ecosystem functioning.

Use of photo-identification data to quantify mother–calf association patterns in bottlenose dolphins

2003 ◽  
Vol 81 (8) ◽  
pp. 1421-1427 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kate Grellier ◽  
Philip S Hammond ◽  
Ben Wilson ◽  
Carol A Sanders-Reed ◽  
Paul M Thompson
Keyword(s):  
Bottlenose Dolphin ◽  
Tursiops Truncatus ◽  
Bottlenose Dolphins ◽  
Small Population ◽  
Association Patterns ◽  
Photo Identification ◽  
Dolphin Population ◽  
The Mean ◽  
First Time

For social mammals living in fission–fusion societies, the mother–infant bond is long and extends beyond the nursing period. We successfully developed a technique, using photo-identification data, to quantify mother–calf association patterns in a small population of bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus, off eastern Scotland. By statistically comparing association indices between young calves and their associates we assigned 17 individual adults as mothers to 20 young calves with a 5% level of probability. The mean index of association between calves and mothers remained high until at least year 8 of life. While calves were still found in the same schools as their mother, they surfaced beside her less often as their age increased. This is the first time that the mother–calf bond has been quantitatively assessed for any bottlenose dolphin population inhabiting temperate waters. Results are compared with those from subtropical populations and are discussed with respect to the viability of this population.

scholarly journals Aspectos etnoecológicos e implicações para a conservação de Tursiops truncatus (Cetartiodactyla: Delphinidae) no Arquipélago das Cagarras, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

2013 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liliane Lodi ◽  
Camilah Antunes Zappes ◽  
Álvaro Samuel Guimarães dos Santos
Keyword(s):  
Tursiops Truncatus ◽  
Rio De Janeiro ◽  
Anthropogenic Impacts ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Bottlenose Dolphins ◽  
Morphological Characteristics ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Common Bottlenose Dolphin ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Common

The objectives of this study were to understand the ecological aspects of the common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) in the Cagarras Archipelago, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and possible anthropogenic impacts by comparing the knowledge of local small-scale fishermen (GA) and the regulars in the archipelago (GB). The data obtained were compared with those available in the literature to propose strategies for monitoring and preservation. Between August and December 2010, we applied the methods of participant observation, interviews-questionnaires and use of illustrative posters. Sixty-one interviews were conducted, from which 83.6% were selected by considering correct answers about the identification of the species on posters (morphological characteristics) and description of time of occurrence in the archipelago (July to December) as reported for the species in the literature. Regarding the seven questions analyzed statistically, a significant difference was found between the accounts of the two groups with respect to anthropic threats to T. truncatus. Gill-nets and the decrease of fishing resources were the main causes identified by the GA group whereas the GB group pointed to the disorganized use of space, pollution and predatory fishing as the factors that have threatened the common bottlenose dolphins. The use of ethnobiological data in conservation programs brings opportunities for the collaboration and participation of the community that is directly inserted into the ecosystem as well as a chance for locals to get involved in issues concerning the sustainability of the archipelago.

scholarly journals Pregnancy and Fetal Development: Cephalic Presentation and Other Descriptive Ultrasonographic Findings from Clinically Healthy Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) under Human Care

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 908
Author(s):  
Pietro Saviano ◽  
Letizia Fiorucci ◽  
Francesco Grande ◽  
Roberto Macrelli ◽  
Alessandro Troisi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bottlenose Dolphin ◽  
Tursiops Truncatus ◽  
Bottlenose Dolphins ◽  
Invasive Technique ◽  
Medical Procedures ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Dolphin Population ◽  
Human Care ◽  
First Time

Ultrasonography is widely used in veterinary medicine for the diagnosis of pregnancy, and can also be used to monitor abnormal pregnancies, embryonic resorption, or fetal abortion. Ultrasonography plays an important role in modern-day cetacean preventative medicine because it is a non-invasive technique, it is safe for both patient and operator, and it can be performed routinely using trained responses that enable medical procedures. Reproductive success is an important aspect of dolphin population health, as it is an indicator of the future trajectory of the population. The aim of this study is to provide additional relevant data on feto-maternal ultrasonographic monitoring in bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) species, for both the clinicians and for in situ population studies. From 2009 to 2019, serial ultrasonographic exams of 11 healthy bottlenose dolphin females kept under human care were evaluated over the course of 16 pregnancies. A total of 192 ultrasound exams were included in the study. For the first time, the sonographic findings of the bottlenose dolphin organogenesis and their correlation with the stage of pregnancy are described. Furthermore, this is the first report that forecasts the cephalic presentation of the calf at birth, according to its position within the uterus.

scholarly journals Cranial Morphometrics of a Stranded Common Bottlenose Dolphin Tursiops truncatus (Montagu, 1821) in Mersin Bay (Northeastern Mediterranean, Turkey)

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 59
Author(s):  
Deniz Ayas ◽  
Deniz Ergüden ◽  
Nuray Çiftçi ◽  
Mustafa Dogangün ◽  
Hasan Deniz Akbora ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bottlenose Dolphin ◽  
Tursiops Truncatus ◽  
Bottlenose Dolphins ◽  
National Level ◽  
Young Male ◽  
Marine Species ◽  
Mediterranean Coast ◽  
Common Bottlenose Dolphin ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Taxonomic Studies

On 10 November 2017, a young male common bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus (Montagu, 1821), 185 cm in total length (TL), was found dead on the Mersin Marina (36°46'065"N, 34°34'212"E) in Northeastern Mediterranean coast of Turkey. Measurements of the sample performed and documented. The specimen buried to obtain the skeleton of the individual. At the end of this process, the sample was deposited in the Museum of the Systematic, Faculty of Fisheries, Mersin University, (Catalogue no: MEUMC-17- 11-001). The morphometric measurements can contribute to ongoing fisheries biology and taxonomic studies of T. truncatus from Mediterranean Sea waters. During routine fishing activities, common bottlenose dolphins can be caught in fishing nets and drowned. This issue leads to an extra population loss in addition to environmental factors that cause dolphin deaths. At the national level, measures should be implemented to protect dolphins and other marine species caught off -target.

scholarly journals First estimate of common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) (Cetacea, Delphinidae) abundance off Uruguayan Atlantic coast

10.5597/00223 ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 144-154 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paula Laporta ◽  
Pedro Fruet ◽  
Eduardo Secchi
Keyword(s):  
Bottlenose Dolphin ◽  
Tursiops Truncatus ◽  
Bottlenose Dolphins ◽  
Atlantic Coast ◽  
Coastal Region ◽  
Demographic Stochasticity ◽  
Southwest Atlantic ◽  
Open Population ◽  
Common Bottlenose Dolphin ◽  
Population Size Estimates

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.

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