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01) Dolphin Photo ID Catalogue
Goals of research project
- Create a permanently updated Photo ID Catalogue of Bottlenose Dolphins along the Peruvian Coast.
Methodology
A) Photographs of each animal are taken in the field. For each animal a set of minimum 4 pictures from each animal’s dorsal fin will be obtained:
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- 2 photographs of right side (one against the light and one well illuminated)
- 2 photographs of the right side (one against the light and one well illuminated)
- Additional photographs are taken from specific tooth rakes, scars, skin disease or any other physical features
B) Fins will be analyzed and the following measurements are taken:
- Size ratio, Tip position, Relative leading distance, Relative trailing distance.
C) For each animal a profile will be elaborated containing the above mentioned information ' pictures will be updated over time in order to always have the best reference pictures for specimen identification in the field.
Current Status
As of March 2008 Mundo Azul has more than 800 identified dolphins in its database.
02) Bottlenose Dolphin Population Dynamics along the Peruvian coast
Goals of the research project
- Identify and monitor groups’ sizes and distribution patterns of bottlenose dolphins
- Identify and monitor subunits of each identified group
- Identify and monitor mothers with calves
Methodology
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Register dates and locations of each animal photographed during a permanent monitoring effort in the research area into a database.
- Register sub units observed
- Analyze data periodically and update statistically
Current Status
As of March 2008 Mundo Azul has processed the data of an estimated 16000 photographs into the database.
03) Human use of area
Goals of the Research project
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Qualify and quantify human use of marine area and identify possible conflicts with dolphins (bycatch, etc).
Methodology
- Register ships, ship type, activity and location as well as time spotted and driftnets as well as other human activity during each field visit
- Create, maintain and analyze periodically database
04) Level of aggressive behavior in Coastal Bottlenose dolphins
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Goals of research program
Identify the level of group specific aggression between specimens.
Methodology
- Analysis of level of fin damage per animal and group (Number of marks and tooth rakes present on each animals dorsal fin are counted)
- Data will be analyzed statistically
05) Change of fin damage over time
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Goals of research program
- Identify the scale and speed of changes in fin shape due to increased marking.
Methodology
- Comparison of photographs taken from specific animals dorsal fins over time
Current Status
To be initiated
06) Skin lesions in Bottlenose dolphins
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Goals of research program
- Identify skin lesion types
- Analyze presence of each lesion type in different populations
- Analyze lesion coverage on specific animals
- Monitor lesion development over time
07) Specimen specific boat interaction
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Hypothesis
Within one dolphin group only a few animals come close to boats in order to interact (bow riding) while others stay in greater distances or avoid boat contact.
Methodology
Photo ID pictures are used in order to create a quantitative analysis of pictures taken from each animal, differentiating in close-ups and long distance shots
08) Fishing techniques in bottlenose dolphins along the Peruvian coast
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Goals of the research Program
- Identify and investigate distinct fishing strategies employed by bottlenose dolphins along the Peruvian coast.
Methodology
- Visual observation and behavioral protocols
- Videotaping
- Photography