Date of Award
2007
Document Type
Thesis
Publication Status
Version of Record
Submission Date
October 2026
Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]
Herzing, Denise L.
Abstract
Between August 2005 and December 2006, 139 boat surveys were conducted in Sepetiba Bay, Brazil to sample behavioral patterns and environmental parameters during the occurrence of marine tucuxi groups and aggregations. Aggregations were defined as several groups gathered in an area totaling more than 100 animals, usually engaged in a specific behavior. A total of 65 aggregations (x=177) and 192 groups (x=18) were recorded. Marine tucuxi groups and aggregations differed regarding behavioral activity, geographical location and age composition. Aggregations were temporal associations of several marine tucuxi groups performing foraging/feeding activities probably in response to prey species, abundance, and distribution. Aggregations were primarily located at the interior of the Bay where local topography may aid dolphins in pursuing and herding schools of prey. Presence of neonates and calves was highly correlated with aggregations, reflecting the potential importance aggregations have in the protection, developmental and learning processes of younger animals.
Extent
69 p.
Recommended Citation
Dias, Laura Aichinger, "Marine tucuxi in Sepetiba Bay: Why do they form aggregations?" (2007). Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2000 - 2009. 1296.
https://digitalcommons.fau.edu/etd_general_5/1296
Identifier
FA00000744
Comments
Includes bibliography.|Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2007.|Charles E. Schmidt College of Science|FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection|Includes bibliography.