Group items tagged

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

The world's first sex-based study with insights into the abundance and movement patterns of bottlenose dolphins acts as an impetus for future studies.

The world's first sex-based study with insights into the abundance and movement patterns of bottlenose dolphins acts as an impetus for future studies.

Dolphin 'plays' with Golden Retriever off WA beach.

JULY 31, 2012 - GEORGETOWN RESEARCHERS HAVE DISCOVERED that bottlenose dolphins are the only mammals besides humans to associate with one another based on cultural behavior with tools.

A Murdoch University dolphin expert has advised that members of the public should enjoy observing dolphins from a distance this summer.

A Murdoch University dolphin expert has advised that members of the public should enjoy observing dolphins from a distance this summer.

Ongoing research of a dolphin population in south-western Australia has revealed for the first time, a unique cycle in social bonds between adult female bottlenose dolphins, which is leading to informed conservation for the animals.

Ongoing research of a dolphin population in south-western Australia has revealed for the first time, a unique cycle in social bonds between adult female bottlenose dolphins, which is leading to informed conservation for the animals.

El Niño in the Pacific has an impact on dolphins over in Western Australia.

Superpods of 600 dolphins are gathering off the coast of South Africa.

Researchers from The University of Western Australia have discovered male bottlenose dolphins can retain individual vocal labels, or "names", to help recognise friends and rivals in their social network, much like humans.

Every dolphin has a 'signature whistle' which helps their pod keep track of them. What if we could tune in too?

Giant octopus suffocates foolhardy dolphin that tried to eat it.

Dolphins choose childhood friends that set them up for success as adults.

Long-thought to be a unique characteristic of human societies, researchers now say some dolphins can actually form multiple levels of alliances among their societies.