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Aggregations of Guiana dolphins (Sotalia guianensis) in Sepetiba Bay, Rio de Janeiro, south-eastern Brazil: distribution patterns and ecological characteristics

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 July 2009

Laura Aichinger Dias ,
Denize Herzing  and
Leonardo Flach
Laura Aichinger Dias*
Affiliation:
Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA
Denize Herzing
Affiliation:
Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA Research Director, The Wild Dolphin Project, PO Box 8436, Jupiter, FL 33468, USA
Leonardo Flach
Affiliation:
Projeto Boto-cinza, St Terezinha 531, Vila Muriqui, Mangaratiba, Rio de Janeiro, 23860-000, Brazil
*
Correspondence should be addressed to: L.A. Dias, Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA email: lauretadias@yahoo.com.br or ladbio@gmail.com
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Abstract

Between August 2005 and July 2007, 376 Guiana dolphin (Sotalia guianensis) encounters were documented in Sepetiba Bay. For the purpose of this study all dolphin sightings were classified as groups or aggregations. Groups (N = 268, x = 20, range = 1–90) consisted of dolphins in apparent association usually engaged in the same behaviour and moving in the same direction. Aggregations (N = 108, x = 204, range = 100–450) consisted of temporal association of numerous groups gathered in an area, totalling several hundred individuals usually engaged in the same behaviour but not necessarily moving in the same direction. Guiana dolphin groups and aggregations differed significantly in behavioural activity, spatial and temporal distribution and age composition. Most aggregated dolphins were engaged in foraging/feeding activities and primarily located at the interior of the bay, and also, aggregations were more likely recorded during morning hours and had more neonates and calves present when compared to groups. The plotted GPS records of aggregations formed two distinct clusters of distribution within the bay, indicating potential areas where conservation strategies could be implemented.

Keywords

Sotalia guianensisguiana dolphinaggregationSepetiba Bay
Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom , Volume 89 , Special Issue 5: Cetaceans , August 2009 , pp. 967 - 973
Copyright
Copyright © Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 2009

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