Abstract

ORDONEZ, Constanza; DIEZ, Mariano J; TORRES, Mónica A  and  DELLABIANCA, Natalia A. Habitat use of Peale’s dolphin Lagenorhynchus australis in the Beagle Channel, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina. Mastozool. neotrop. [online]. 2020, vol.27, n.2, pp.247-252.  Epub Dec 11, 2020. ISSN 0327-9383.

Peale’s dolphin is one of the most common species of cetaceans in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina. However, limited information exists about the local population. In order to characterize the habitat use by Peale’s dolphin, land-based observations were carried out during a summer season. Behavioral patterns were studied in relation to tidal cycles and kelp forest, and the main activities displayed were determined. Foraging and resting were the most frequent behaviors observed. Dolphin’s behavior seems to be related to the tidal cycle and to its position relative to the kelp bed. This study provides data that can contribute to management plans of the austral marine ecosystem.

Keywords : behavior; kelp forest; subantartic cetaceans; tidal cycle.

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