Factor associated variations in the home range of a resident Adriatic common bottlenose dolphin population

This study investigates the influence of the most dominant factors (association patterns, gender, natal philopatry and anthropogenic pressure) on the home range size of the 44 most resident common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) inhabiting the waters of the Cres-Lošinj archipelago (north Ad...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Marine pollution bulletin 2017-11, Vol.124 (1), p.234-244
Main Authors: Rako-Gospić, Nikolina, Radulović, Marko, Vučur, Tihana, Pleslić, Grgur, Holcer, Draško, Mackelworth, Peter
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Association
Bottle-Nosed Dolphin - physiology
Bottlenose dolphin
Croatia
Female
Home range
Homing Behavior
Kernel
Male
MCP
Natal philopatry
North Sea
Sex Characteristics
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Summary:This study investigates the influence of the most dominant factors (association patterns, gender, natal philopatry and anthropogenic pressure) on the home range size of the 44 most resident common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) inhabiting the waters of the Cres-Lošinj archipelago (north Adriatic Sea, Croatia), a recently declared NATURA 2000 SCI. Results show that variations in home range patterns (MCP, 95% KDE and 50% KDE home range size) among the individual resident dolphins are primarily related to differences in gender and reflect the way in which different genders respond to external stressors. In addition, results confirm the seasonal influence of nautical tourism on both female and male dolphins through changes in their home range sizes. The overall results improve current knowledge of the main anthropogenic threats that should be taken into consideration when developing conservation measures to be applied to this Cres and Lošinj SCI. •Cres-Lošinj Natura 2000 SCI is home to a resident bottlenose dolphin population.•Variations in home range patterns of dolphins are primarily related to gender.•Females use large areas and live in more fluid associations.•Males have smaller home ranges and form strong and territorial alliances.•Recreational and fishing boats have a significant effect on dolphin home ranges.
ISSN:0025-326X
1879-3363
DOI:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.07.040