Association patterns of Atlantic spotted dolphins, Stenella frontalis, in the Bahamas.

摘要

This study examined the coefficients of association (COAs) of Atlantic spotted dolphins, Stenella frontalis, in the Bahamas that have been part of a long-term underwater observational study since 1985. First, three social units were designated based on analysis of association indices. The units appeared to coincide with clusters of individuals with similar ranges; however, there were insufficient ranging data to determine whether the social units were separate geographical units. The associations within and between these social units were analyzed to determine whether the units comprised separate communities. Results indicated that separate communities did not exist. Analysis of association indices of the 26 individuals with known relatives demonstrated that there is preferential association among kin. Also, effects of social segregation based on sex and age class, which are evident in the population as a whole, are absent in kin dyads.