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Title: The social development of free-ranging Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) in the Bahamas.
Creator: Moewe, Kelly Kathleen, Florida Atlantic University, Herzing, Denise L.
Abstract/Description: This study documented the behavioral development of Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) in the Bahamas. 45 three-minute video-taped sequences of underwater social behavior (aggression, courtship, play), spanning from 1992 to 1996, were selected for ethological analysis and were broken down into 15 adult, 15 juvenile and 15 mixed age class sequences. Continuous focal sub-group sampling was conducted, and one-tailed Kruskal-Wallis ANOVAs were used to test for differences between the...
Show moreThis study documented the behavioral development of Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) in the Bahamas. 45 three-minute video-taped sequences of underwater social behavior (aggression, courtship, play), spanning from 1992 to 1996, were selected for ethological analysis and were broken down into 15 adult, 15 juvenile and 15 mixed age class sequences. Continuous focal sub-group sampling was conducted, and one-tailed Kruskal-Wallis ANOVAs were used to test for differences between the age groups in frequencies of occurrence of: (1) the 7 behavioral categories, and (2) the 8 most frequently performed behavioral events. Juveniles performed significantly more Other behaviors and Attention to Object events than adults, suggesting the importance of play within this social species. A Mann-Whitney U test revealed that within mixed age classes, behaviors were performed within combined-age-class groups more often than within single-age-class groups, suggesting a participatory mode of learning within juveniles.
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Date Issued: 2001
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12832
Subject Headings: Atlantic spotted dolphin, Dolphins--Behavior, Social behavior in animals
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: An underwater analysis of the behavioral development of free-ranging Atlantic spotted dolphin calves (birth to 4 years of age).
Creator: Bayer, Jessica Ann., Florida Atlantic University, Herzing, Denise L.
Abstract/Description: This investigation is the first to focus on the underwater behaviors and development of free-ranging Atlantic spotted dolphin (Stenella frontalis) mothers and calves. Underwater video recordings of 30 mother/calf pairs, during the calves' first three years of life, and 10 additional videos of four-year-old calves, were analyzed. Behavioral event frequencies were compared to the calf's age bracket (i.e. year-one, two, three and four). Results demonstrate an increase in calf independence in...
Show moreThis investigation is the first to focus on the underwater behaviors and development of free-ranging Atlantic spotted dolphin (Stenella frontalis) mothers and calves. Underwater video recordings of 30 mother/calf pairs, during the calves' first three years of life, and 10 additional videos of four-year-old calves, were analyzed. Behavioral event frequencies were compared to the calf's age bracket (i.e. year-one, two, three and four). Results demonstrate an increase in calf independence in year-four shown by a significant reduction in Nursing Act behaviors, significantly more Feeding/Foraging behaviors, and increased behaviors performed in the proximity of individuals other than the mother or alone. No strong evidence was found for increased maternal rejection behaviors near the end of the estimated weaning period. Additionally, results indicate that, for select behaviors, synchronicity may be increasingly expressed over time. Few differences in behavioral frequency and type were observed between calf genders and between mothers of each gender.
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Date Issued: 2001
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12847
Subject Headings: Atlantic spotted dolphin, Dolphins--Behavior, Parental behavior in animals
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Synchrony in adult male Atlantic Spotted Dolphins (Stenella frontalis) during aggression.
Creator: Myers, Alyson J., Bjorklund, David F., Herzing, Denise L., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Psychology
Abstract/Description: Synchrony between Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) is crucial for successfully fending off bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) during interspecies aggression. The present study examined synchrony in adult Atlantic spotted dolphins during aggressive encounters with bottlenose dolphins. Across group size, aggressive behavioral events increased preceding synchrony, peaked during synchrony, and decreased dramatically after synchrony. Although smaller groups ( 10 dolphins),...
Show moreSynchrony between Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) is crucial for successfully fending off bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) during interspecies aggression. The present study examined synchrony in adult Atlantic spotted dolphins during aggressive encounters with bottlenose dolphins. Across group size, aggressive behavioral events increased preceding synchrony, peaked during synchrony, and decreased dramatically after synchrony. Although smaller groups (< 10 dolphins) became synchronous more frequently than larger groups (> 10 dolphins), larger groups remained synchronous longer; however, smaller groups exhibited more frequent aggressive behavioral events during synchrony, suggesting that additional aggressive behaviors may be necessary to compensate for the small group size, whereas larger groups may be able to rely on synchrony alone. Disorganized squawk bouts synchronized as physical synchrony began, but only if coupled with escalating aggressive behaviors. The synchrony during aggressive episodes observed in adult Atlantic spotted dolphins can be used as a baseline to determine the process of the development of this critical skill in juveniles.
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Date Issued: 2015
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004454
Subject Headings: Atlantic spotted dolphin, Atlantic spotted dolphin -- Behavior -- Research, Bottle nose dolphin, Bottle nose dolphin -- Behavior -- Research, Dolphins, Social behavior in animals
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The Development of Synchronous Vocalizations and Behaviors in Juvenile Male Wild Atlantic Spotted Dolphins.
Creator: Myers, Alyson J., Bjorklund, David F., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Psychology
Abstract/Description: The ability of adult wild Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) to synchronize vocalizations and behaviors has been found to be a key factor in overcoming much larger bottlenose dolphins during interspecies aggression (Cusick & Herzing, 2014). Furthermore, an adult baseline of behaviors and vocalizations during aggressive events containing synchrony has been established (Myers, Herzing, & Bjorklund, 2017). The present study examines juvenile aggression that contains bouts of...
Show moreThe ability of adult wild Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) to synchronize vocalizations and behaviors has been found to be a key factor in overcoming much larger bottlenose dolphins during interspecies aggression (Cusick & Herzing, 2014). Furthermore, an adult baseline of behaviors and vocalizations during aggressive events containing synchrony has been established (Myers, Herzing, & Bjorklund, 2017). The present study examines juvenile aggression that contains bouts of synchrony to look at the development of this valuable skill. Differences of duration between adult and juvenile synchronous bouts, lag sequential analyses, frequencies of behavioral classes depending on the age class of the aggressor-recipient dynamic, differences in the frequencies of behavioral classes depending on the synchronous state and aggressorrecipient dynamic, and differences in behavioral classes exhibited by adults and juveniles during different synchronous states were analyzed. Adults, across group size, were able to maintain physical synchrony for a longer duration. Juveniles were often in loose synchronous groups before forming into a tight synchronous group as seen in adult synchrony. Vocal synchrony during adult aggression in terms of synchronized squawks were longer in duration than vocal synchrony during juvenile aggression. Juveniles used more pursuit behaviors during aggression, which indicates practice of a behavior that was found to be the most frequently used in interspecies aggression (Volker, 2016). Additionally, when adults were present in juvenile aggression, they used fewer aggressive behavioral classes demonstrating self-handicapping based on their opponent. This illustrates that there is a learning period for both vocal and physical synchrony for juvenile dolphins and that juvenile aggression, or play-fighting, is an important aspect of the development of these skills. This study is the first to describe juvenile synchrony in a population of wild Atlantic spotted dolphins.
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Date Issued: 2018
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013088
Subject Headings: Atlantic spotted dolphin., Atlantic spotted dolphin--Behavior., Atlantic spotted dolphin--Vocalizaton., Stenella frontalis.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Vocal behavior of captive Atlantic bottlenose dolphins in a swim program.
Creator: Boege, Deborah Dorothy., Florida Atlantic University, Bourne, Godfrey R.
Abstract/Description: Dolphins emit distinct vocalizations in the contexts of stressful situations, such as when captured in nets. It has been assumed among animal rights groups that the presence of human swimmers causes stress in captive Atlantic bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Stress may be expressed in dolphin vocalizations and the associated visual behaviors before, during, and after swim sessions with humans. Thus, these behaviors were recorded to elucidate quantitative vocal patterns suggestive of...
Show moreDolphins emit distinct vocalizations in the contexts of stressful situations, such as when captured in nets. It has been assumed among animal rights groups that the presence of human swimmers causes stress in captive Atlantic bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Stress may be expressed in dolphin vocalizations and the associated visual behaviors before, during, and after swim sessions with humans. Thus, these behaviors were recorded to elucidate quantitative vocal patterns suggestive of conspecific stress. Significant differences among vocalization types within sample sessions were found only for whistles between During II and After sessions. Other comparisons indicated no significant differences for vocalization production frequencies between the presence or absence of human swimmers. Additionally, correlations found among the seven vocalization types and all five sample sessions indicated only that one variable, i.e. the presence or absence of human swimmers, was being measured in several different ways (by the different vocalization type production frequencies). Thus, conspecific stress, if indeed it can be measured by vocalization production frequency, does not appear to occur more often in the presence of human swimmers.
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Date Issued: 1994
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/15027
Subject Headings: Bottlenose dolphin--Behavior, Animal sounds, Mammals--Behavior
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Social play as a tool for developing social-cognitive skills in a wild population of Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis).
Creator: Bender, Courtney Elizabeth., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: The purposes of this dissertation were to identify complex social-cognitive behaviors in a population of wild Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) using long-term video archives and identify developmental trends in those behaviors. Chapter One analyzed calf behavior during foraging events involving maternal teaching in order to identify mechanisms for sharing information between mother and calf... The calves' behavior was affected by the referencing cues, supporting the presence of...
Show moreThe purposes of this dissertation were to identify complex social-cognitive behaviors in a population of wild Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) using long-term video archives and identify developmental trends in those behaviors. Chapter One analyzed calf behavior during foraging events involving maternal teaching in order to identify mechanisms for sharing information between mother and calf... The calves' behavior was affected by the referencing cues, supporting the presence of joint attention and true teaching behavior....Chapter Two observed the altered benthic foraging behavior of juvenile play groups, in which juveniles took turns chasing the fish and using referencing gestures to reference the position of the fish to other individuals during the chase, despite the ability of these young, independent dolphins to catch fish much more quickly and efficiently alson... The third chapter analyzed social object play in which dolphins passed pieces of seaweed between individuals. The data clarified developmental trends in the play, and suggested social-cognitive abilities needed for participation.
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Date Issued: 2012
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3358280
Subject Headings: Social behavior in animals, Cognition in animals, Dolphins, Behavior, Atlantic spotted dolphin
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Assessment of genetic population structure, promiscuity, and paternity in free-ranging Atlantic spotted dolphins, Stenella frontalis, in the Bahamas.
Creator: Green, Michelle L., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: This study investigated a resident community of Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) on Little Bahama Bank (LBB) in the Bahamas utilizing a noninvasive molecular approach. Genetic template material was collected and extracted from fecal material of S. frontalis. Fine-scale population structure was found within LBB according to mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and microsatellites (Fst = 0.25317, P
Show moreThis study investigated a resident community of Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) on Little Bahama Bank (LBB) in the Bahamas utilizing a noninvasive molecular approach. Genetic template material was collected and extracted from fecal material of S. frontalis. Fine-scale population structure was found within LBB according to mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and microsatellites (Fst = 0.25317, P < 0.0001 and Fst = 0.04491, P < 0.0001, respectively). Three main social clusters (North, Central, South/Roam) exist on LBB and all clusters were found to be genetically distinct according to microsatellite analyses. Mitochondrial haplotypes revealed North and South/Roam were not differentiated, but Central was different from both. When separated by sex, males were less genetically structured than females. Males showed no evidence of structure according to Ost or Rst., Females of all clusters were differentiated according to microsatellites whereas mtDNA revealed the same pattern in females as was seen for the total population. The structuring patterns of the sexes clearly indicate a pattern of male dispersal and female philopatry for the LBB population. Genetic investigation of mating revealed patterns in the mating system of S. frontalis on LBB. Genotypes of females and offspring were analyzed and revealed that more than two males were required to explain the progeny arrays, indicating promiscuous mating among females. In addition, paternity assessment assigned seven males as fathers to ten of 29 mother-calf pairs. A pattern of reproductive skew according to age was revealed because reproductively successful males were in the oldest age class at the estimated time of conception of the calves., Patterns in social cluster mating revealed that males from the Central cluster sired offspring with females from both the Central and North clusters, while Roaming males sired offspring with South and Central females indicating that males mate within their social cluster or with females from the next closest cluster. The study has important implications for cetacean research, specifically delphinids. Fine-scale population structure and mating patterns of male and female S. frontalis were revealed through noninvasive methodology presenting a valuable genetic framework with which to support ongoing investigations of life history, behavior, communication and social structure.
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Date Issued: 2008
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/58004
Subject Headings: Dolphins, Social behavior in animals, Population genetics, Atlantic spotted dolphin, Dolphins, Geographical distribution
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Personality Traits in Atlantic Spotted Dolphins (Stenella Frontalis): Syndromes and Predictors of Neophilia.
Creator: Skrzypczak, Nathan, Herzing, Denise L., Detwiler, Kate M., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Personality is defined as inter-individual variation of behavioral traits while maintaining intra-individual stability. The focus of this study was to observe distinct personality trait categories, establish baseline personality trait phenotypes for the juvenile population, and compare the personality phenotypes between different categories, such as sex or generation. Three personality traits were studied—sociability, curiousity, and boldness—based on the percentage of time individuals spent...
Show morePersonality is defined as inter-individual variation of behavioral traits while maintaining intra-individual stability. The focus of this study was to observe distinct personality trait categories, establish baseline personality trait phenotypes for the juvenile population, and compare the personality phenotypes between different categories, such as sex or generation. Three personality traits were studied—sociability, curiousity, and boldness—based on the percentage of time individuals spent with conspecifics, human researchers, and their mothers, respectively. The surveyed individuals significantly varied positively and negatively from the means of each trait, and no significant difference for any trait was found between males and females, or across time periods. A moderately strong correlation was discovered between two personality traits, boldness and curiousity, suggesting a personality syndrome. The second primary goal was to use the aforementioned baseline to determine if personality traits can be used to predict neophilic behavior specific to human-dolphin communication research. Six of the study subjects were more prone than their peers to engage with the two-way work, and these individuals were more bold—spent less time with their mothers—than the other subjects. This suggests that boldness has some predictive capabilities towards this type of neophilia.
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Date Issued: 2016
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004680, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004680
Subject Headings: Animal behavior, Animal societies, Atlantic spotted dolphin -- Behavior -- Research, Cognition in animals, Social behavior in animals
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Home on the range: spatial ecology of Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) in the Bahamas.
Creator: Augliere, Bethany., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: I examined summer home range use of Altantic spotted dolphins in the Bahamas from 1991-2004. Home ranges for 86 dolphins using the 95% Fixed Kernel Density (FKD) estimator averages 62.o km2+=22.96 km2 and ranged from 24.8 km2 to 148.4 km2. Older animals and males had the largest ranges. Home range size did not vary with female reproductive status. core areas were defined by the 50% FKD contour and averaged 10.32 km2 +=5.47 km2. Habitat use was different between reproductive states for females...
Show moreI examined summer home range use of Altantic spotted dolphins in the Bahamas from 1991-2004. Home ranges for 86 dolphins using the 95% Fixed Kernel Density (FKD) estimator averages 62.o km2+=22.96 km2 and ranged from 24.8 km2 to 148.4 km2. Older animals and males had the largest ranges. Home range size did not vary with female reproductive status. core areas were defined by the 50% FKD contour and averaged 10.32 km2 +=5.47 km2. Habitat use was different between reproductive states for females. Non-reproductively active (NRA) females used deeped habitat. Behavioral use of the home range varied spatially. The core area was an important foraging area for males and reproductively active females. NRA females foraged more outside their core area compared to the core area.
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Date Issued: 2012
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3358277
Subject Headings: Social behavior of animals, Dolphins, Geographical distribution, Dolphins, Habitat
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Signature whistles in Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis): Qualitative and quantitative analysis of mothers and offspring.
Creator: Bebus, Sara E., Florida Atlantic University, Herzing, Denise L.
Abstract/Description: The signature whistles of related Atlantic spotted dolphins ( Stenella frontalis) in the Bahamas were evaluated for similarity. Judges compared the contour patterns of signature whistles pair-wise between 19 dolphins. Whistle parameters between the signature whistles of individuals were statistically compared. There were no significant differences between the signature whistles of male and female calves when the similarity of their whistles was compared to their mothers. However, there was a...
Show moreThe signature whistles of related Atlantic spotted dolphins ( Stenella frontalis) in the Bahamas were evaluated for similarity. Judges compared the contour patterns of signature whistles pair-wise between 19 dolphins. Whistle parameters between the signature whistles of individuals were statistically compared. There were no significant differences between the signature whistles of male and female calves when the similarity of their whistles was compared to their mothers. However, there was a tendency with female calves more likely to produce signature whistles similar to their mothers' whistles. Three out of five female calves produced signature whistles that were "very similar" or "similar" to the signature whistles of their mothers. Two out of four male calves produced signature whistles that were "similar" to the signature whistles of their mothers. The signature whistles of mother and calf pairs were more likely to be "similar" to each other than the signature whistles of sibling pairs.
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Date Issued: 2006
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13408
Subject Headings: Dolphins--Physiology, Animal communication, Atlantic spotted dolphin--Behavior, Animal sounds
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Signature whistle stability in wild female Atlantic spotted dolphins, Stenella frontalis.
Creator: Burris, Jennifer., Florida Atlantic University, Salmon, Michael
Abstract/Description: Previous qualitative assessment indicated that signature whistles of temporarily captured, free-ranging dolphins remain stable over periods of 2--12 years. This study reports on the stability of signature whistle parameters in wild female Atlantic spotted dolphins in the Bahamas over five or more years and between changes in age class. Signature whistles from seven female dolphins were pooled into blocks of 'early' and 'late' years for the time assessment. Signature whistles from five females...
Show morePrevious qualitative assessment indicated that signature whistles of temporarily captured, free-ranging dolphins remain stable over periods of 2--12 years. This study reports on the stability of signature whistle parameters in wild female Atlantic spotted dolphins in the Bahamas over five or more years and between changes in age class. Signature whistles from seven female dolphins were pooled into blocks of 'early' and 'late' years for the time assessment. Signature whistles from five females were pooled by age class for the second analysis. Duration, minimum frequency, maximum frequency, and change in frequency were measured from spectrograms of whistles for statistical analysis. No significant changes were found in any of the signature whistle parameters either between early and late periods of time or with a change in age class.
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Date Issued: 2004
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13155
Subject Headings: Dolphins--Physiology, Animal communication, Atlantic spotted dolphin--Behavior, Animal sounds
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The social structure of bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus, in the Bahamas.
Creator: Rogers, Cindy A., Florida Atlantic University, Baldwin, John D.
Abstract/Description: This study reports on a community of bottlenose dolphins found >27 km from Grand Bahama Island. Observations were conducted from May--September, 1993--2002. The half weight index determined coefficients of association (COA) between dolphins for each year and from pooled data over the 10-year period. Long-term site fidelity of up to 17 years occurred. Resident and non-resident dolphins occurred in the area. Some dolphins traveled 333 km between communities. Average group size was 3--5, and...
Show moreThis study reports on a community of bottlenose dolphins found >27 km from Grand Bahama Island. Observations were conducted from May--September, 1993--2002. The half weight index determined coefficients of association (COA) between dolphins for each year and from pooled data over the 10-year period. Long-term site fidelity of up to 17 years occurred. Resident and non-resident dolphins occurred in the area. Some dolphins traveled 333 km between communities. Average group size was 3--5, and significantly larger with calves. Traveling groups were significantly smaller than feeding or socializing. Mother-calf associations were the strongest. Male-male COAs were low (x = .34), however, some individuals formed strong associations. Female-female COAs were low (x = .35), and affected by female reproductive status. Mixed-gender COAs were significantly lower (x = .31) than same sex associations. Pooled data revealed lower COA values, however, the same trends were evident. The long-term associations revealed from yearly COAs were not seen when data were pooled.
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Date Issued: 2003
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13007
Subject Headings: Bottlenose dolphin--Bahamas, Social behavior in animals
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Does size really matter: how synchrony and size affect the dynamic of aggression between two sympatric species of dolphin in the Bahamas.
Creator: Cuksick, Jessica A., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Bottlenose (Tursiops truncatus) and spotted (Stenella frontalis) dolphins are sympatric species, resident to Little Bahama Bank, Bahamas. A unique, dynamic methodology quantified how interspecific aggression changed over time in terms of the individuals participating, context, and behaviors used. The timing of human observation relative to the onset of aggression did not result in differences in the proportion of behaviors observed. Highly intense behaviors were used most often. The...
Show moreBottlenose (Tursiops truncatus) and spotted (Stenella frontalis) dolphins are sympatric species, resident to Little Bahama Bank, Bahamas. A unique, dynamic methodology quantified how interspecific aggression changed over time in terms of the individuals participating, context, and behaviors used. The timing of human observation relative to the onset of aggression did not result in differences in the proportion of behaviors observed. Highly intense behaviors were used most often. The synchronous state of spotted dolphin groups, not the presence alone, was a crucial factor in determining the onset and progression of aggression. When synchronous, spotted dolphins successfully dominated the larger bottlenose dolphins. Two levels of dominance were observed. Within a single encounter ("encounter level"), one species did dominate the other. When all aggressive encounters were considered collectively over the long term ("gross level"), one species did not dominate the other. The combination of contextual factors best determined the dynamic of interspecific aggression.
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Date Issued: 2012
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3342044
Subject Headings: Bottlenose dolphin, Behavior, Research, Atlantic spotted dolphin, Behavior, Research, Mammals, Behavior, Aggressive behavior in animals
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Evidence of social learning mechanisms and teaching behavior of Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) by mother dolphins foraging in the presence of calves.
Creator: Bortot, Courtney Elizabeth., Florida Atlantic University, Bjorklund, David F., Herzing, Denise L.
Abstract/Description: The present study examined the alteration of benthic foraging behavior by mother Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) when foraging in the presence of their calves in comparison to the foraging behaviors of the mothers when the calves were not present. The mother dolphins chased prey significantly longer and made significantly more body-orienting movements during foraging in which calves were present. In 5 of the events where the calves were present the prey was not eaten by the...
Show moreThe present study examined the alteration of benthic foraging behavior by mother Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) when foraging in the presence of their calves in comparison to the foraging behaviors of the mothers when the calves were not present. The mother dolphins chased prey significantly longer and made significantly more body-orienting movements during foraging in which calves were present. In 5 of the events where the calves were present the prey was not eaten by the mother, but instead the calves were allowed to pursue the prey and were confirmed to have eaten the prey in 3 of the foraging events, even though the calves were still nursing. Additionally, this altered foraging behavior only occurred in the presence of their naive calves. Therefore, the present study may be evidence of teaching as a potential social learning mechanism of foraging behavior by Atlantic spotted dolphins.
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Date Issued: 2005
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13299
Subject Headings: Bottlenose dolphin--Feeding and feeds, Social behavior in animals, Cetacea--Behavior
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Population structure and dispersal of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) of the Indian River Lagoon Estuary, Florida, and adjacent Atlantic waters.
Creator: Rodgers, Sarah E., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Worldwide research of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) has led to varied definitions and terminology regarding ways to group dolphins for study and management. An understanding of the demographic history and population structure of bottlenose dolphins residing within the Indian River Lagoon Estuary System (IRLES), Florida, is needed to help define the IRLES dolphin population: ecotype, population, or community. Using mitochondrial DNA sequencing and microsatellite genotyping, this...
Show moreWorldwide research of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) has led to varied definitions and terminology regarding ways to group dolphins for study and management. An understanding of the demographic history and population structure of bottlenose dolphins residing within the Indian River Lagoon Estuary System (IRLES), Florida, is needed to help define the IRLES dolphin population: ecotype, population, or community. Using mitochondrial DNA sequencing and microsatellite genotyping, this study detected: (1) genetic differentiation between estuarine and coastal individuals (FstmtDNA=0.414, Fstmsat=0.057; p<0.05; K=2), (2) genetic differentiation between the Indian River Lagoon (IRL) and Mosquito Lagoon (ML) (FstmtDNA=0.0201, Fstmsat=0.0234; p<0.09), and (3) minute undefined sub-structure within the IRLES (FstmtDNA=-0.00 -0.0379, Fstmsat=0.00 - vii 0.0445; p>0.1). Additionally, within ML this study detected non-mixing cohabitation of two potential ecotypes, estuarine and coastal. These findings raise many questions regarding how dolphins are presently categorized and managed which are critical to population assessments including abundance, vital rates, and health.
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Date Issued: 2013
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3362568
Subject Headings: Biogeography, Bottlenose dolphin, Behavior, Bottlenose dolphin, Geographical distribution, Bottlenose dolphin
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Maternal and alloparental discipline in Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) in the Bahamas.
Creator: Weinpress, Meghan., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Discipline was implemented by mothers and alloparent spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) mothers and alloparents on Little Bahama Bank, Bahamas. Disciplinarians were significantly more likely to be adults than juveniles. Although most disciplinarians were female, males were also observed to perform discipline. The recipients of discipline were male and female, and significantly more likely to be calves than juveniles. Pursuit, contact, and display behaviors were used in discipline, however...
Show moreDiscipline was implemented by mothers and alloparent spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) mothers and alloparents on Little Bahama Bank, Bahamas. Disciplinarians were significantly more likely to be adults than juveniles. Although most disciplinarians were female, males were also observed to perform discipline. The recipients of discipline were male and female, and significantly more likely to be calves than juveniles. Pursuit, contact, and display behaviors were used in discipline, however pursuit behaviors were most often observed. Variables such as age class, sex, and parity were not found to influence how discipline was implemented. The durations of all disciplinary pursuits were under thirty seconds, and successful pursuits had slightly shorter duration than unsuccessful pursuits. Disciplinarian success was not significantly influenced by age class, sex, parity, or behavior used.
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Date Issued: 2013
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3361254
Subject Headings: Animal behavior, Behavior evolution, Atlantic mammals, Behavior, Parent-child relationships, Social behavior in animals, Discipline of children, Atlantic spotted dolphin
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Site Fidelity Assessment of Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) Following Large-Scale Emigration of Sympatric Atlantic Spotted Dolphins (Stenella frontalis) in the Bahamas.
Creator: Kuhn, Sommer L., Herzing, Denise L., Hughes, Colin, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Two sympatric species of dolphins (Atlantic spotted dolphins, Stenella frontalis and Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus) have been long-term residents to Little Bahama Bank. This study assessed whether there was a change in residence patterns or diurnal foraging depths of bottlenose dolphins following a large emigration event in the resident spotted dolphin community on this sandbank. Photo-identification was used to identify individual bottlenose dolphins and compare pooled...
Show moreTwo sympatric species of dolphins (Atlantic spotted dolphins, Stenella frontalis and Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus) have been long-term residents to Little Bahama Bank. This study assessed whether there was a change in residence patterns or diurnal foraging depths of bottlenose dolphins following a large emigration event in the resident spotted dolphin community on this sandbank. Photo-identification was used to identify individual bottlenose dolphins and compare pooled years before (2010-2012) and after (2013-2015) the spotted dolphin emigration. The identified community size and overall residency of the bottlenose dolphins remained similar, although two bottlenose dolphins emigrated over deep water to the site spotted dolphins emigrated. Bottlenose dolphins diurnally fed in shallower water but remained in the same geographic foraging locations. Reasons remain unknown for this depth change, but potential changes in the productivity of primary bottlenose dolphin foraging habitats or reduction of spotted dolphins from shallower depths remain possibilities.
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Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004927, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004927
Subject Headings: Bottlenose dolphin--Habitat--Bahamas--Little Bahama Bank., Bottlenose dolphin--Effect of habitat modification on., Atlantic spotted dolphin--Habitat--Bahamas--Little Bahama Bank., Dolphins--Atlantic Ocean--Geographical distribution., Social behavior in animals.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Habitat Use by Bottlenose Dolphins in the Indian River Lagoon.
Creator: Greller, Rachael M., Markwith, Scott, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
Abstract/Description: The objective of this research was to examine bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) habitat use in the Indian River Lagoon (IRL) based on monthly relocation of photo-identified individuals, prey availability and environmental factors from 2003-2015. We focused on the variation of spatial and temporal abiotic and biotic factors and their influence on bottlenose dolphin habitat use patterns. Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute (HBOI) conducted monthly photo-identification surveys along the...
Show moreThe objective of this research was to examine bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) habitat use in the Indian River Lagoon (IRL) based on monthly relocation of photo-identified individuals, prey availability and environmental factors from 2003-2015. We focused on the variation of spatial and temporal abiotic and biotic factors and their influence on bottlenose dolphin habitat use patterns. Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute (HBOI) conducted monthly photo-identification surveys along the length of the IRL and GPS locations of photographed dolphins were collected at the time of surveying. Stratified random samples of prey and environmental variables were collected monthly by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) as part of the Fisheries-Independent Monitoring (FIM) program. Kernel density estimation was used to determine the magnitude-per-unit area of dolphins across a continuous raster surface of the IRL by wet and dry seasons each year, the values of which were used as a response variable in Classification and regression tree (CART) analyses with FIM fish community and environmental factors as predictors. Understanding how dolphins respond to environmental factors over time in the IRL could be used to predict future responses in estuaries and prioritize conservation and restoration actions.
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Date Issued: 2019
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013212
Subject Headings: Bottlenose dolphin--Behavior, Indian River (Fla. : Lagoon), Habitat, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Intra and interspecies association patterns of Atlantic spotted dolphins, Stenella frontalis, and Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus, and the effects of demographic changes following two major hurricanes.
Creator: Elliser, Cindy Rogers., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Demographic changes, through immigration/emigration (or death) can affect the social and community structure of a population. This study reports on the effects of demographic changes following 2 intense hurricanes on two sympatric delphinid species: Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus, and Atlantic spotted dolphins Stenella frontalis. Thirty percent of the bottlenose population was lost after the hurricanes, with an influx of roughly the same number of immigrants. The stable...
Show moreDemographic changes, through immigration/emigration (or death) can affect the social and community structure of a population. This study reports on the effects of demographic changes following 2 intense hurricanes on two sympatric delphinid species: Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus, and Atlantic spotted dolphins Stenella frontalis. Thirty percent of the bottlenose population was lost after the hurricanes, with an influx of roughly the same number of immigrants. The stable community split into two cohesive units. Preferences in association in relation to reproductive status and sex remained. Immigrants assimilated well into the population, especially males. There is a conflict of interest between resident males and females in accepting immigrants and often females find more resistance than males. Long-term analysis of spotted dolphins revealed a community structure defined by long-term site fidelity, natal philopatry of both sexes and three social clusters., Female associations were influenced by reproductive status and social familiarity within clusters. Males formed long-term alliances and shorter-term coalitions. Some movement between clusters occurred. Alliance formation crystallized in adulthood. Mating strategies and sex were the primary factors shaping social structure. Thirty-six percent of the spotted dolphin population was lost after the hurricanes with no influx of immigrants. The spotted dolphin community differed little from long-term analysis, including definitive social clusters and sex preferences. Social cohesion increased within units and across age classes. Some juveniles had associations of alliance level. Loss of individuals resulted in subtle changes in social structure. Interspecies associations reveal striking differences in association patterns between species. Group sizes and re-sightings of spotted dolphins were larger than for bottlenose dolphins, particularly for aggressive encounters., Male alliances and coalitions were prevalent for spotted dolphins, but not for bottlenose dolphins. After the hurricanes lower re-sighting and group sizes for spotted dolphin males and less aggressive behavior documented, indicates a re-structuring period of relationships between the species. This study shows that environmental variations may alter the structure of mammal societies through demographic upheaval and survival of populations may depend on their social structure and the social adaptability of the species.
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Date Issued: 2010
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/1927313
Subject Headings: Social behavior in animals, Dolphins, Geographical distribution, Population genetics, Weather, Environmental aspects
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Association Patterns of Atlantic Spotted Dolphins, Stenellafrontalis, in the Bahamas.
Creator: Welsh, Lillian S., Herzing, Denise L., Florida Atlantic University
Abstract/Description: This study examined the coefficients of association (COAs) of Atlantic spotted dolphins, Stenellafrontalis, in the Bahamas that have been part of a long-term underwater observational study since 1985. First, three social units were designated based on analysis of association indices. The units appeared to coincide with clusters of individuals with similar ranges; however, there were insufficient ranging data to determine whether the social units were separate geographical units. The...
Show moreThis study examined the coefficients of association (COAs) of Atlantic spotted dolphins, Stenellafrontalis, in the Bahamas that have been part of a long-term underwater observational study since 1985. First, three social units were designated based on analysis of association indices. The units appeared to coincide with clusters of individuals with similar ranges; however, there were insufficient ranging data to determine whether the social units were separate geographical units. The associations within and between these social units were analyzed to determine whether the units comprised separate communities. Results indicated that separate communities did not exist. Analysis of association indices of the 26 individuals with known relatives demonstrated that there is preferential association among kin. Also, effects of social segregation based on sex and age class, which are evident in the population as a whole, are absent in kin dyads.
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Date Issued: 2007
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00000843
Subject Headings: Dolphins--Bahamas--Geographical distribution, Social behavior in animals--Bahamas
Format: Document (PDF)

FAU Theses and Dissertations (24)	+ -
HBOI Faculty Contributions (1)	+ -

Social behavior in animals (9)	+ -
Dolphins (7)	+ -
Atlantic spotted dolphin (6)	+ -
Behavior (5)	+ -
Geographical distribution (5)	+ -

Animal communication (3)	+ -
Animal sounds (3)	+ -
Bottlenose dolphin--Behavior (3)	+ -
Habitat (3)	+ -
Population genetics (3)	+ -
Animal behavior (2)	+ -
Atlantic spotted dolphin--Behavior (2)	+ -
Bottlenose dolphin (2)	+ -
Cognition in animals (2)	+ -
Dolphins--Behavior (2)	+ -
Dolphins--Physiology (2)	+ -
Indian River (Fla. : Lagoon) (2)	+ -
Predation (Biology) (2)	+ -
Social behavior in animals. (2)	+ -
Aggressive behavior in animals (1)	+ -
Aggressive behavior in animals. (1)	+ -
Animal societies (1)	+ -
Animals--Photographic identification (1)	+ -
Aquatic mammals (1)	+ -
Aquatic mammals--Behavior. (1)	+ -
Atlantic mammals (1)	+ -
Atlantic spotted dolphin -- Behavior -- Research (1)	+ -
Atlantic spotted dolphin--Bahamas. (1)	+ -
Atlantic spotted dolphin--Behavior. (1)	+ -
Atlantic spotted dolphin--Habitat--Bahamas--Little Bahama Bank. (1)	+ -

Bahamas (5)	+ -
Atlantic Ocean (3)	+ -
Little Bahama Bank (3)	+ -
Behavior (1)	+ -
Florida (1)	+ -

Indian River (Fla. : Lagoon) (1)	+ -
Indian River Lagoon Estuary System (1)	+ -

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