You are here

FAU Collections » FAU Research Repository » FAU Theses and Dissertations

Patterns of association in captive Atlantic bottlenose dolphins in a swim program

Download pdf | Full Screen View

Date Issued:
1993
Summary:
The relationship between patterns of association, and the rates and distribution of behaviors that are considered stressful in Atlantic bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in a swim program with humans is poorly understood. This relationship was elucidated by measuring stress indirectly through the occurrence of behaviors previously reported when dolphins were captured in nets. Comparisons of patterns of association, and behavioral repertoires recorded before, during, and after swim sessions with humans, indicated no significant change in patterns of association due to human swimmers. There were no correlations between frequencies of interaction, behavioral repertoires, and position in the dominance hierarchy for dolphins that interacted more with humans. Furthermore, rates of air inspiration, and aggression did not increase in the presence of humans. These findings suggest that swimming with humans does not appear to induce stress in dolphins.
Title: Patterns of association in captive Atlantic bottlenose dolphins in a swim program.
76 views
16 downloads
Name(s): Spitz, Scott Steven.
Florida Atlantic University, Degree grantor
Bourne, Godfrey R., Thesis advisor
Type of Resource: text
Genre: Electronic Thesis Or Dissertation
Issuance: monographic
Date Issued: 1993
Publisher: Florida Atlantic University
Place of Publication: Boca Raton, Fla.
Physical Form: application/pdf
Extent: 32 p.
Language(s): English
Summary: The relationship between patterns of association, and the rates and distribution of behaviors that are considered stressful in Atlantic bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in a swim program with humans is poorly understood. This relationship was elucidated by measuring stress indirectly through the occurrence of behaviors previously reported when dolphins were captured in nets. Comparisons of patterns of association, and behavioral repertoires recorded before, during, and after swim sessions with humans, indicated no significant change in patterns of association due to human swimmers. There were no correlations between frequencies of interaction, behavioral repertoires, and position in the dominance hierarchy for dolphins that interacted more with humans. Furthermore, rates of air inspiration, and aggression did not increase in the presence of humans. These findings suggest that swimming with humans does not appear to induce stress in dolphins.
Identifier: 14951 (digitool), FADT14951 (IID), fau:11731 (fedora)
Collection: FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection
Note(s): Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 1993.
Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Subject(s): Bottlenose dolphin
Held by: Florida Atlantic University Libraries
Persistent Link to This Record: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/14951
Sublocation: Digital Library
Use and Reproduction: Copyright © is held by the author with permission granted to Florida Atlantic University to digitize, archive and distribute this item for non-profit research and educational purposes. Any reuse of this item in excess of fair use or other copyright exemptions requires permission of the copyright holder.
Use and Reproduction: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/
Host Institution: FAU
Is Part of Series: Florida Atlantic University Digital Library Collections.