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Marine tucuxi in Sepetiba Bay: Why do they form aggregations?

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Date Issued:
2007
Summary:
Between August 2005 and December 2006, 139 boat surveys were conducted in Sepetiba Bay, Brazil to sample behavioral patterns and environmental parameters during the occurrence of marine tucuxi groups and aggregations. Aggregations were defined as several groups gathered in an area totaling more than 100 animals, usually engaged in a specific behavior. A total of 65 aggregations (x=177) and 192 groups (x=18) were recorded. Marine tucuxi groups and aggregations differed regarding behavioral activity, geographical location and age composition. Aggregations were temporal associations of several marine tucuxi groups performing foraging/feeding activities probably in response to prey species, abundance, and distribution. Aggregations were primarily located at the interior of the Bay where local topography may aid dolphins in pursuing and herding schools of prey. Presence of neonates and calves was highly correlated with aggregations, reflecting the potential importance aggregations have in the protection, developmental and learning processes of younger animals.
Title: Marine tucuxi in Sepetiba Bay: Why do they form aggregations?.
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Name(s): Dias, Laura Aichinger
Herzing, Denise L., Thesis advisor
Florida Atlantic University, Degree grantor
Type of Resource: text
Genre: Electronic Thesis Or Dissertation
Date Created: 2007
Date Issued: 2007
Publisher: Florida Atlantic University
Place of Publication: Boca Raton, Fla.
Physical Form: application/pdf
Extent: 69 p.
Language(s): English
Summary: Between August 2005 and December 2006, 139 boat surveys were conducted in Sepetiba Bay, Brazil to sample behavioral patterns and environmental parameters during the occurrence of marine tucuxi groups and aggregations. Aggregations were defined as several groups gathered in an area totaling more than 100 animals, usually engaged in a specific behavior. A total of 65 aggregations (x=177) and 192 groups (x=18) were recorded. Marine tucuxi groups and aggregations differed regarding behavioral activity, geographical location and age composition. Aggregations were temporal associations of several marine tucuxi groups performing foraging/feeding activities probably in response to prey species, abundance, and distribution. Aggregations were primarily located at the interior of the Bay where local topography may aid dolphins in pursuing and herding schools of prey. Presence of neonates and calves was highly correlated with aggregations, reflecting the potential importance aggregations have in the protection, developmental and learning processes of younger animals.
Identifier: FA00000744 (IID)
Collection: FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection
Note(s): Includes bibliography.
Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2007.
Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Subject(s): Tucuxi--Habitat--Brazil--Sepetiba Bay
River dolphins--Brazil--Sepetiba Bay
Animal communication
River dolphins--Behavior--Brazil--Sepetiba Bay
Held by: Florida Atlantic University Libraries
Persistent Link to This Record: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00000744
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.
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Host Institution: FAU
Is Part of Series: Florida Atlantic University Digital Library Collections.