Seasonal and Diurnal Behavioral Patterns of Bottlenose Dolphins, <i>Tursiops truncatus</i>, That Exhibit High Site and Low Site Fidelity to Mississippi Sound

<p>This study examined whether bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) exhibit site fidelity to the Mississippi Sound and how the seasonal and diurnal behavioral patterns of dolphins that exhibit high site fidelity to the Mississippi Sound differ from those of dolphins with lower site fidelity. Opportunistic surveys conducted from July 2006 to April 2010 were analyzed. Statistical analyses consisted of nonparametric tests (Spearman's correlation, loglinear models, and Pearson's chi-square) to compare behavioral patterns of high site fidelity, mixed, and low site fidelity groups. Behavioral patterns significantly differed between site fidelity groups across seasons and diurnal periods. Feeding behavior was observed significantly more often in lower site fidelity groups, which coincides with seasonal prey species migrations. These findings suggest that lower site fidelity dolphins may migrate through the Mississippi Sound to pursue seasonal prey species. Sighting patterns of dolphins suggest the Mississippi Sound is characterized by seasonal migrations of low site fidelity dolphins during the spring and summer. Higher site fidelity dolphins that are potential seasonal residents and year round residents may also exhibit seasonal movements in the Mississippi Sound. Knowledge of the behavioral patterns of high site fidelity and low site fidelity dolphins may lead to improved conservation efforts for potential inshore and coastal stocks to ensure better population health in an area that is highly vulnerable to anthropogenic disturbance such as commercial fishing, boat traffic, and pollution.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Arts (MA)

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Psychology

Year dc:date.available

2013

Author dc:creator

• McBride, Shauna Marisa

Contributors dc:contributor

• Stan Kuczaj
• John Harsh
• Frank Moore

• Comparative Psychology
• Psychology
• Social and Behavioral Sciences

Repository record dc:identifier

https://aquila.usm.edu/masters_theses/420

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:aquila.usm.edu:masters_theses-1497