Jazmin Garcia

Jazmin Garcia

Feb 05, 2015

Group 6 Copy 112
0

Guess the dolphin behavior!

For our study, the behavioral state of the dolphins will be categorized as forage, rest, social, travel, or a combination of these.

We will use the same behavioral descriptions as Peterson (2001):

Forage: The most variable behavioral state. Usually recognized by long, peduncle out or fluke out dives, occurring in varying directions in a generally localized manner. Includes observations of fish capture and ingestion, and indirect indications of foraging. Foraging dolphins might swim parallel to mangrove shores and perform tail-slaps, rushes and turns, creating splashes. Occasionally fish may be seen leaping out of the water. Foraging dolphins might explore seagrass beds, nodding their heads and vocalizing or investigating fish traps, rolling traps over and vocalizing.

Rest: Characterized by relatively motionless drifting or slight movement of pumping the flukes. The dolphin will be observed slowly surfacing to breathe and then sinking slowly below the surface.

Social: High level of activity usually occurring at or near the surface, creating a lot of splashing. Easily recognizable, but difficult to view clearly. Dolphins may maintain close contacts, frequently rubbing their bodies together. Various body parts, such as flippers, flukes, heads, and sides might be exposed about the water surface. Includes leaps.

Travel: Direction and speed may vary, but travel will be recognized as directional movement of a group as a whole, with all dolphins maintaining a similar bearing.

What kind of behavior is this?



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About This Project

Has increased tourism in Belize impacted the dolphin population? In the late 1990s, Self-Sullivan and her peers determined that mangrove cayes provided foraging and nursery habitat for dolphins and manatees in Belize. It was predicted that increasing cruise ship tourism would have negative effects on the dolphin population. With your help, we will test that hypothesis and determine changes in the population structure, habitat use, and behavior.

Blast off!

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