Bottlenose dolphins of Bocas del Toro
Project coordinator: Dr. Laura J. May-Collado
Research TEAM MEMBERS:
Betzi Pérez Ortega, PhD (c), McGill University, Canada
Susana Caballero, Ph.D. Universidad de los Andes, Colombia
Dalia Barragan-Barrera, Ph.D., Universidad de los Andes Colombia
Monica Gamboa Poveda, M.Sc. Panacetacea
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What we now so far
In Bocas del Toro, Panama there is a resident population of bottlenose dolphins estimated between 100 to150 animals. Half of these animals are believed to be year-round residents. Most of our work has concentrated in Bocastorito Bay also known as Dolphin Bay. Here is were most of the dolphin-watching activities concentrate. The bay is an important nursing ground for mothers and their calves. It is also a important habitat for feeding and social activities.
This map shows the core areas of dolphin sightings in Bocas del Toro. The large blue spot is in Bocatorito (Dolphin Bay).
Bottlenose dolphin predictability and site fidelity to Bocas del Toro has promoted the establishment of several dolphin-watching operators, which have been growing exponentially in the past 15 years. The Government Conduct guidelines are appropriate to conserve the dolphin’s acoustic environment (Resolution ADM/ARAP NO. 01, 2007) but few operators are well informed about these guidelines and their importance. Although Bocas del Toro bottlenose dolphins are notably plastic in their behaviour and acoustic communication the growing tourism development and associated increase in boats transiting the Archipelago may challenge their survival by increasing engine noise to levels that may render their habitat less habitable. Our preliminary results show that dolphin acoustically response to boat presence by increasing signal frequency and duration, they increase signal emission, and increase frequency of avoidance behaviors.
The same boat but at 1 m distance from the research boat. Notice that the green color covers the entire graph. This is just one boat imagine 25 boats simultaneously following a dolphin most of which use noise engines.
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A single boat with a 115hp engine at 50 m distance from the research boat. The y axis is the frequency and the x axis the time. The green color represents the 'intensity' of the sound as the boat approaches.
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Genetic structure and diversity of bottlenose dolphins in Bocas del Toro
Photo by S.Caballero
Main Researchers: Dalia Barragan-Barrera, Susana Caballero, Laura J. May-Collado, Shakira Quinones, Ayshya Kassamali-Fox, Jose Julio Casas
In 2012 we started collecting biopsies to determine the genetic diversity and structure of bottlenose dolphins. Previous studies done by Susana Caballero, have demonstrated the importance of genetic techniques to identify dolphin conservation units. In her latest publication, she shows that coastal Caribbean dolphin populations consist of discrete units. We are figuring out where the Bocas del Toro population fits and if this population is close or interbreeds with neighboring populations in Costa Rica and other parts of Panama. To follow this project go to our project website and facebook!
In 2012 we started collecting biopsies to determine the genetic diversity and structure of bottlenose dolphins. Previous studies done by Susana Caballero, have demonstrated the importance of genetic techniques to identify dolphin conservation units. In her latest publication, she shows that coastal Caribbean dolphin populations consist of discrete units. We are figuring out where the Bocas del Toro population fits and if this population is close or interbreeds with neighboring populations in Costa Rica and other parts of Panama. To follow this project go to our project website and facebook!
Dolphins and Dolphin-watching boat interactions
Photy by May-Collado
Main Researchers: Laura J. May-Collado, Shakira Quinones-Lebron, Ashley Sitar, Ayshya Kassamali-Fox
This project started in 2004 monitoring the acoustic and behavioral responses of the bottlenose dolphins of Bocas del Toro to dolphin-watching boats. Our findings indicate that dolphins respond in various ways when multiple boats are present (1) changing their signal frequency and duration presumably to reduce masking by engine noise, (2) an increase in avoidance behaviors such as traveling, and (3) a decrease in group size. Currently, we are comparing the effect different boat maneuvers in dolphin behavior and we are particularly interested in determine if groups with calves are more likely affected by boat presence and maneuver. More about this project follow us in our website blog and facebook!
This project started in 2004 monitoring the acoustic and behavioral responses of the bottlenose dolphins of Bocas del Toro to dolphin-watching boats. Our findings indicate that dolphins respond in various ways when multiple boats are present (1) changing their signal frequency and duration presumably to reduce masking by engine noise, (2) an increase in avoidance behaviors such as traveling, and (3) a decrease in group size. Currently, we are comparing the effect different boat maneuvers in dolphin behavior and we are particularly interested in determine if groups with calves are more likely affected by boat presence and maneuver. More about this project follow us in our website blog and facebook!
Photo-identification catalogue of bottlenose of Bocas del Toro
Photo by I. Agnarsson
Main collaborators: Laura J. May-Collado, Jose David Palacios, Evi Taubitz, Shakira Quiñones, Dalia Barragán, Susana Caballero, Mónica Gamboa, Betzi Pérez
This photo-ID catalogue for this population started in 2004. Presently we have about 100 of individuals photo-identified, half of which are recurrently being re-sighted in Bocastorito also known as dolphin Bay. This year we will use this information to estimate population size and the home-range of the mostly common seeing dolphins. The partial catalogue of this population can be found here: http://bocasdelfines.weebly.com/catalogo-de-delfines.html
This photo-ID catalogue for this population started in 2004. Presently we have about 100 of individuals photo-identified, half of which are recurrently being re-sighted in Bocastorito also known as dolphin Bay. This year we will use this information to estimate population size and the home-range of the mostly common seeing dolphins. The partial catalogue of this population can be found here: http://bocasdelfines.weebly.com/catalogo-de-delfines.html
