Parra Vergara, Guido J., and Corkeron, Peter J. (2001) Feasibility of using photo-identification techniques to study the Irrawaddy dolphin, Orcaella brevirostris (Owen in Gray 1866). Aquatic Mammals, 27 (1). pp. 45-49.

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Abstract

Irrawaddy dolphins, Orcaella brevirostris, present a particular challenge to study. They live in shallow, turbid waters, are inconspicuous, have unpredictable surfacing patters, low surfacing profiles, and are generally elusive animals. Photographs of the dorsal region of Irrawaddy dolphins were taken between December 1998 and November 1999 in Cleveland and Bowling Green Bays, North Queensland, Australia in order to assess the feasibility of using photo-identification techniques in studies of this species. Thirty-five individual Irrawaddy dolphins, all adults, were identified in Cleveland Bay and three in Bowling Green Bay. Distinctive features were notches on the dorsal fin, including deep scars and cuts along the dorsal region, white marks on dorsal fin, and distinct dorsal fin shapes. The use of photo-identification to study Irrawaddy dolphins is feasible. Photo-identification can contribute significantly to the study of Irrawaddy dolphins' ecology and conservation biology.

Item ID:	13081
Item Type:	Article (Research - C1)
ISSN:	0167-5427
Keywords:	animal behavior; Irrawaddy dolphin; photo-identification
Date Deposited:	19 Dec 2012 04:03
FoR Codes:	06 BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES > 0602 Ecology > 060205 Marine and Estuarine Ecology (incl Marine Ichthyology) @ 51% 05 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES > 0502 Environmental Science and Management > 050211 Wildlife and Habitat Management @ 49%
SEO Codes:	97 EXPANDING KNOWLEDGE > 970106 Expanding Knowledge in the Biological Sciences @ 100%
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