Behaviour of free-ranging short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) in Gulf St Vincent, South Australia
Nicole E. Filby A B C D , Mike Bossley B and Karen A. Stockin C
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Ecology and Environmental Research Group, School of Ecology and Sustainability, College of Engineering and Science, Victoria University, PO Box 14428 (Werribee Campus), Melbourne, Vic. 8001, Australia.
B Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, PO Box 720, Port Adelaide Business Centre, Port Adelaide, SA 5015, Australia.
C Coastal-Marine Research Group, Institute of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 102 904, North Shore MSC, New Zealand.
D Corresponding author. Email: nicole.filby@live.vu.edu.au
Australian Journal of Zoology 61(4) 291-300 https://doi.org/10.1071/ZO12033
Submitted: 30 March 2012 Accepted: 16 July 2013 Published: 14 August 2013
Abstract
Common dolphins are subject to large-scale fishing activity and tourism operations in South Australia; however, there is a paucity of data on this species. Understanding the behaviour of a population can contribute greatly to our knowledge of a species and how to manage potential population-level threats. This paper describes the behaviour of short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) in Australian waters for the first time. Data were collected from 109 independent dolphin groups during boat-based surveys conducted in Gulf St Vincent, South Australia, between September 2005 and May 2008. Activity budgets were used to assess behaviour of common dolphins in relation to diel patterns, season, water depth, sea surface temperature (SST), group size and composition. Foraging (33.9%) and resting (2.8%) were the most and least frequently observed behaviours, respectively. Travelling (33.0%), socialising (20.2%) and milling (10.1%) accounted for the remainder of the activity budget. Diurnal differences were detected, with foraging (59.5%) and socialising (31.8%) groups most frequently observed from 10.00 to 11.59 hours. Behaviour did not vary seasonally or with water depth, SST, group size or composition. Behaviour varied significantly between single- and multispecies aggregations. Foraging was more frequent in multispecies aggregations, as 78.4% of all foraging behaviour observed for common dolphins occurred in the presence of other species. Multispecies aggregations were most frequently observed with flesh-footed shearwaters (Puffinus carneipes), which were present during 29.4% of common dolphin encounters. Behaviour varied significantly during aggregations with shearwaters, as 62.2% of foraging groups occurred in the presence of shearwaters. Resting, milling or socialising was rarely observed in the presence of any other species, indicating that the primary mechanism for aggregations is likely prey-related.
Additional keyword: foraging.
References
Altmann, J. (1974). Observational study of behaviour: sampling methods. Behaviour 49, 227–266.| Observational study of behaviour: sampling methods.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DyaE2c7mtlWmsQ%3D%3D&md5=c3eb242a0e0d7a5aa5171b8cbc5f7adcCAS | 4597405PubMed |
Arcangeli, A., Crosti, R., del Leviatano, A., and Rome, I. (2009). The short-term impact of dolphin-watching on the behaviour of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in Western Australia. Journal of Marine Animals and their Ecology 2, 3–9.
Azevedo, A. F., Oliveira, A. M., Viana, S. C., and Van Sluys, M. (2007). Habitat use by marine tucuxis (Sotalia guianensis) (Cetacea: Delphinidae) in Guanabara Bay, south-eastern Brazil. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 87, 201–205.
| Habitat use by marine tucuxis (Sotalia guianensis) (Cetacea: Delphinidae) in Guanabara Bay, south-eastern Brazil.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Bearzi, M. (2003). Behavioural ecology of the marine mammals of Santa Monica Bay, California. Ph.D. Thesis, University of California, Los Angeles, USA.
Bearzi, M. (2005). Habitat partitioning by three species of dolphins in Santa Monica Bay, California. Southern California Academy of Sciences Bulletin 104, 113–124.
| Habitat partitioning by three species of dolphins in Santa Monica Bay, California.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Bearzi, M. (2006). California sea lions use dolphins to locate food. Journal of Mammalogy 87, 606–617.
| California sea lions use dolphins to locate food.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Bearzi, G., Agazzi, S., Gonzalvo Villegas, J., Costa, M., Bonizzoni, S., Politi, E., Piroddi, C., and Reeves, R. R. (2008). Overfishing and the disappearance of short-beaked common dolphins from western Greece. Endangered Species Research 5, 1–12.
| Overfishing and the disappearance of short-beaked common dolphins from western Greece.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Bejder, L. (2005). Linking short and long-term effects of nature-based tourism on cetaceans. Ph.D. Thesis, Dalhousie University, Halifax.
Bertolino, S., Mazzoglio, P. J., Vaiana, M., and Currado, I. (2004). Activity budget and foraging behaviour of introduced Callosciuris finlaysonii (Rodentia, Sciuridae) in Italy. Journal of Mammalogy 85, 254–259.
| Activity budget and foraging behaviour of introduced Callosciuris finlaysonii (Rodentia, Sciuridae) in Italy.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Bilgmann, K., Moller, L. M., Harcourt, R. G., Gales, R., and Beheregaray, L. B. (2008). Common dolphins subject to fisheries impacts in Southern Australia are genetically differentiated: implications for conservation. Animal Conservation 11, 518–528.
| Common dolphins subject to fisheries impacts in Southern Australia are genetically differentiated: implications for conservation.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Buckland, S. T., Cattanach, K. L., and Anganuzzi, A. A. (1992). Estimating trends in abundance of dolphins associated with tuna in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, using sightings data collected on commercial tuna vessels. Fishery Bulletin 90, 1–12.
Cañadas, A., and Hammond, P. (2008). Abundance and habitat preferences of the short-beaked common dolphin, Delphinus delphis, in the south-western Mediterranean: implications for conservation. Endangered Species Research 4, 309–331.
| Abundance and habitat preferences of the short-beaked common dolphin, Delphinus delphis, in the south-western Mediterranean: implications for conservation.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Carrera, M., Favaro, E., and Souto, A. (2008). The response of marine tucuxis (Sotalia fluviatilis) towards tourist boats involves avoidance behaviour and a reduction in foraging. Animal Welfare (South Mimms, England) 17, 117–123.
| 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD1cXltFKqtb8%3D&md5=727bd98b4d576ea09bbe530d43712235CAS |
Clua, E., and Grosvalet, F. (2001). Mixed-species feeding aggregation of dolphins, large tunas and seabirds in the Azores. Aquatic Living Resources 14, 11–18.
| Mixed-species feeding aggregation of dolphins, large tunas and seabirds in the Azores.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Courbis, S., and Timmel, G. (2009). Effects of vessels and swimmers on behaviour of Hawaiian spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) in Kealake’akua, Honaunau, and Kauhako bays, Hawai’i. Marine Mammal Science 25, 430–440.
| Effects of vessels and swimmers on behaviour of Hawaiian spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) in Kealake’akua, Honaunau, and Kauhako bays, Hawai’i.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Cribb, N., Miller, C., and Seuront, L. (2008). Assessment of bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops aduncus) habitat characteristics in the estuarine waters of the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary, South Australia. Journal of Marine Animals and Their Ecology 1, 6–8.
Dans, S., Crespo, E., Pedraza, S., Degrati, M., and Garaffo, G. (2008). Dusky dolphin and tourist interaction: effect on diurnal feeding behaviour. Marine Ecology Progress Series 369, 287–296.
| Dusky dolphin and tourist interaction: effect on diurnal feeding behaviour.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Das, K., Beans, C., Holsbeek, L., Mauger, G., Berrow, S. D., Rogan, E., and Bouquegeau, J. M. (2003). Marine mammals from northeast Atlantic: relationship between their trophic status as determined by δ13C and δ15N measurements and their trace metal concentrations. Marine Environmental Research 56, 349–365.
| Marine mammals from northeast Atlantic: relationship between their trophic status as determined by δ13C and δ15N measurements and their trace metal concentrations.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD3sXjsVeisLw%3D&md5=5b65be9a89e19d77f185698da4985bbaCAS | 12738219PubMed |
de Silva Samarasinghe, J. R. (1998). Revisiting Upper Gulf St Vincent in South Australia: the salt balance and its implications. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 46, 51–63.
| Revisiting Upper Gulf St Vincent in South Australia: the salt balance and its implications.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaK1cXhs1OqsLY%3D&md5=a1ffa19bd841d2c4ac2cea64a9d5d76aCAS |
Duprey, N., Weir, J., and Würsig, B. (2008). Effectiveness of a voluntary code of conduct in reducing vessel traffic around dolphins. Ocean and Coastal Management 51, 632–637.
| Effectiveness of a voluntary code of conduct in reducing vessel traffic around dolphins.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Elwen, S., Best, P., Reeb, D., and Thornton, M. (2009). Diurnal movements and behaviour of Heaviside’s dolphins, Cephalorhynchus heavisidii, with some comparative data for dusky dolphins, Lagenothynchus obscutus. South African Journal of Wildlife Research 39, 143–154.
| Diurnal movements and behaviour of Heaviside’s dolphins, Cephalorhynchus heavisidii, with some comparative data for dusky dolphins, Lagenothynchus obscutus.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Evans, W. E. (1971). Orientation behaviour of delphnids: radio telemetric studies. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences 188, 142–160.
| Orientation behaviour of delphnids: radio telemetric studies.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DyaE38%2FmvVehsA%3D%3D&md5=c2dc7703d4e6335d8f5b58a9f89eea1aCAS | 5288851PubMed |
Evans, P. G. H. (1982). Associations between seabirds and cetaceans: a review. Mammal Review 12, 187–206.
| Associations between seabirds and cetaceans: a review.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Fertl, D. (1994). Occurrence patterns and behaviour of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Galveston ship channel, Texas. The Texas Journal of Science 46, 299–317.
Filby, N., Bossley, E. M., Sanderson, K., Martinez, E., and Stockin, K. A. (2010). Distribution and population demographics of common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) in Gulf St. Vincent, South Australia. Aquatic Mammals 36, 33–45.
| Distribution and population demographics of common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) in Gulf St. Vincent, South Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Finn, H. C., and Calver, M. C. (2008). Feeding aggregations of bottlenose dolphins and seabirds in Cockburn Sound, Western Australia. The Western Australian Naturalist 26, 157–172.
Frantzis, A., and Herzing, D. L. (2002). Mixed-species associations of striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoaba), short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis), and Risso’s dolphins (Grampus griseus) in the Gulf of Corinth (Greece, Mediterranean Sea). Aquatic Mammals 28, 188–197.
Hamer, D., Ward, T., and McGarvey, R. (2008). Measurement, management and mitigation of operational interactions between the South Australian sardine fishery and short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis). Biological Conservation 141, 2865–2878.
| Measurement, management and mitigation of operational interactions between the South Australian sardine fishery and short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Hanya, G. (2004). Seasonal variations in the activity budget of Japanese macaques in the coniferous forest of Yakushima: effects of food and temperature. American Journal of Primatology 63, 165–177.
| Seasonal variations in the activity budget of Japanese macaques in the coniferous forest of Yakushima: effects of food and temperature.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 15258960PubMed |
Kastelein, R. A., Vaughan, N., Walton, S., and Wiepkema, P. R. (2002). Food intake and body measurements of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in captivity. Marine Environmental Research 53, 199–218.
| Food intake and body measurements of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in captivity.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD3MXovVert7k%3D&md5=67fabb83db5af334d3bc8c4eee9e4fb2CAS | 11824828PubMed |
Kemper, C., and Gibbs, S. (2001). Dolphin interactions with tuna feedlots at Port Lincoln, South Australia and recommendations for minimising entanglements. The Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 3, 283–292.
Kemper, C., Flaherty, A., Gibbs, S., Hill, M., Long, M., and Byard, R. (2005). Cetacean captures, standings, and mortalities in South Australia 1881–2000, with special reference to human interactions. Australian Mammalogy 27, 37–47.
Kemper, C., Bossley, M., and Shaughnessy, P. (2008). Marine mammals of Gulf St. Vincent, Investigator Strait and Backstairs Passage. In ‘Natural History of Gulf St. Vincent and Investigator Strait’. (Eds S. Bryars, S. A. Sheperd, P. Harbison, and I. Kirkegaard.) Chapter 25. (Royal Society of South Australia: Adelaide.)
Lavery, T., Butterfield, N., Kemper, C., Reid, R., and Sanderson, K. (2008). Metals and selenium in the liver and bone of three dolphin species from South Australia, 1988–2004. The Science of the Total Environment 390, 77–85.
| Metals and selenium in the liver and bone of three dolphin species from South Australia, 1988–2004.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD2sXhsVSgtLbL&md5=7cd37b9869d07416f357bd1135302c59CAS | 18006044PubMed |
Lemon, M., Lynch, T., Cato, D., and Harcourt, R. (2006). Response of travelling bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) to experimental approaches by a powerboat in Jervis Bay, New South Wales, Australia. Biological Conservation 127, 363–372.
| Response of travelling bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) to experimental approaches by a powerboat in Jervis Bay, New South Wales, Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Lusseau, D., and Bejder, L. (2007). The long-term consequences of short-term responses to disturbance: experiences from whale-watching impact assessment. International Journal of Comparative Psychology 20, 228–236.
Lusseau, D., Bain, D., Williams, R., and Smith, J. (2009). Vessel traffic disrupts the foraging behaviour of southern resident killer whales Orcinus orca. Endangered Species Research 6, 211–221.
| Vessel traffic disrupts the foraging behaviour of southern resident killer whales Orcinus orca.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Mann, J. (1999). Behavioural sampling methods for cetaceans: a review and critique. Marine Mammal Science 15, 102–122.
| Behavioural sampling methods for cetaceans: a review and critique.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Martin, A. R. (1986). Feeding association between dolphins and shearwaters around the Azores Islands. Canadian Journal of Zoology 64, 1372–1374.
| Feeding association between dolphins and shearwaters around the Azores Islands.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Mate, B., Rossbach, K., Nieukirk, S., Wells, R., Irvine, A., Scott, M., and Read, A. (1995). Satellite-monitored movements and dive behaviour of a bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) in Tampa Bay, Florida. Marine Mammal Science 11, 452–463.
| Satellite-monitored movements and dive behaviour of a bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) in Tampa Bay, Florida.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Meynier, L., Pusineri, C., Spitz, J., Santos, M. B., Pierce, G. J., and Ridoux, V. (2008). Intra-specific dietary variation in the short-beaked common dolphin Delphinus delphis in the Bay of Biscay: importance of fat fish. Marine Ecology Progress Series 354, 277–287.
| Intra-specific dietary variation in the short-beaked common dolphin Delphinus delphis in the Bay of Biscay: importance of fat fish.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Miller, L. J., Solangi, M., and Kuczaj, S. A. (2010). Seasonal and diurnal patterns of behaviour exhibited by Atlantic bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Mississippi Sound. Ethology 116, 1127–1137.
| Seasonal and diurnal patterns of behaviour exhibited by Atlantic bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Mississippi Sound.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Neumann, D. R. (2001). The activity budget of free-ranging common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) in the north-western Bay of Plenty, New Zealand. Aquatic Mammals 27, 121–136.
Neumann, D. R., and Orams, M. B. (2006). Impacts of ecotourism of short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) in Mercury Bay, New Zealand. Aquatic Mammals 32, 1–9.
| Impacts of ecotourism of short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) in Mercury Bay, New Zealand.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Nunes, R., and Lennon, G. (1986). Physical property distributions and seasonal trends in Spencer Gulf, South Australia: an inverse estuary. Australian Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research 37, 39–53.
| Physical property distributions and seasonal trends in Spencer Gulf, South Australia: an inverse estuary.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Oviedo, L., Esteves, M. A., Acevedo, R., Silva, N., Bolaños-Jiménez, J., Quevedo, A. M., and Fernández, M. (2010). Abundance, distribution and behaviour of common dolphins, Delphinus sp., off north-eastern Venezuela: implications for conservation and management. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 90, 1623–1631.
| Abundance, distribution and behaviour of common dolphins, Delphinus sp., off north-eastern Venezuela: implications for conservation and management.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Pearce, A. F. (1997). The Leeuwin Current and the Houtman Abrolhos Islands, Western Australia. In ‘The Marine Flora and Fauna of the Houtman Abrolhos Islands, Western Australia. Volume 1’. (Ed. F. E. Wells.) pp. 11–46. (Western Australian Museum: Perth.)
Powers, D. R., and McKee, T. (1994). The effect of food availability on time and energy expenditures of territorial and non-territorial hummingbirds. The Condor 96, 1064–1075.
| The effect of food availability on time and energy expenditures of territorial and non-territorial hummingbirds.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Querouil, S., Silva, M. A., Cascao, I., Magalhaes, S., Seabra, M. I., Machete, M. A., and Santos, R. S. (2008). Why do dolphins form mixed-species associations in the Azores? Ethology 114, 1183–1194.
| Why do dolphins form mixed-species associations in the Azores?Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Rogan, E., and Mackey, M. (2007). Megafauna bycatch in drift nets for albacore tuna (Thunnus alalunga) in the NE Atlantic. Fisheries Research 86, 6–14.
| Megafauna bycatch in drift nets for albacore tuna (Thunnus alalunga) in the NE Atlantic.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Ross, G. J. B. (2006). Review of the conservation status of Australia’s smaller whales and dolphins. Australian Department of the Environment and Heritage, Canberra.
Scott, M. D., and Cattanach, K. L. (1998). Diel patterns in aggregations of pelagic dolphins and tunas in the eastern Pacific. Marine Mammal Science 14, 401–422.
| Diel patterns in aggregations of pelagic dolphins and tunas in the eastern Pacific.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Shane, S. H. (1990). Behaviour and ecology of the bottlenose dolphin at Sanibel Island, Florida. In ‘The Bottlenose Dolphin’. (Eds S. Leatherwood and R. R. Reeves.) pp. 245–265. (Academic Press Inc.: San Diego.)
Stamation, K., Croft, D., Shaughnessy, P., Waples, K., and Briggs, S. (2007). Educational and conservation value of whale watching. Tourism in Marine Environments 4, 41–55.
| Educational and conservation value of whale watching.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Stensland, E., Angerbjörn, A., and Berggren, P. (2003). Mixed species groups in mammals. Mammal Review 33, 205–223.
| Mixed species groups in mammals.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Stockin, K. A., Lusseau, D., Bindell, V., Wiseman, N., and Orams, M. B. (2008). Tourism affects the behavioural budget of the common dolphin (Delphinus sp.) in the Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand. Marine Ecology Progress Series 355, 287–295.
| Tourism affects the behavioural budget of the common dolphin (Delphinus sp.) in the Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Stockin, K. A., Binedell, V., Wiseman, N., Brunton, D. H., and Orams, M. B. (2009). Behaviour of free-ranging common dolphins (Delphinus sp.) in the Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand. Marine Mammal Science 25, 283–301.
| Behaviour of free-ranging common dolphins (Delphinus sp.) in the Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Svane, I. (2005). Occurrence of dolphins and seabirds and their consumption of by-catch during prawn trawling in Spencer Gulf, South Australia. Fisheries Research 76, 317–327.
| Occurrence of dolphins and seabirds and their consumption of by-catch during prawn trawling in Spencer Gulf, South Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Tomo, I., Kemper, C. M., and Lavery, T. J. (2010). Eighteen-year study of South Australian dolphins shows variation in lung nematodes by season, year, age class and location. Journal of Wildlife Diseases 46, 488–498.
| 20688641PubMed |
Vaughn, R. L., Wursig, B., Shelton, D. S. E., Timm, L. L., and Watson, L. A. (2008). Dusky dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obscurus) influence prey accessibility for seabirds in Admiralty Bay, New Zealand. Journal of Mammalogy 89, 1051–1058.
| Dusky dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obscurus) influence prey accessibility for seabirds in Admiralty Bay, New Zealand.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Williams, R., and Ashe, E. (2007). Killer whale evasive tactics vary with boat number. Journal of Zoology 272, 390–397.
| Killer whale evasive tactics vary with boat number.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Würsig, B., and Jefferson, T. (1990). Methods of photo-identification for small cetaceans. Report of the International Whaling Commission 12, 43–52.
Young, D. D., and Cockcroft, V. G. (1994). Diet of common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) off the south-east coast of South Africa: opportunism or specialization? Journal of Zoology 234, 41–53.
| Diet of common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) off the south-east coast of South Africa: opportunism or specialization?Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Zar, J. H. (1996). ‘Biostatistical Analysis.’ (Prentice-Hall International (UK) Ltd: London.)
