Site-fidelity and movement patterns of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in central Argentina : essential information for effective conservation

Abstract

1. The effectiveness of conservation measures such as marine protected areas (MPAs) for the conservation of cetaceans is determined by how well their home range or critical habitat is covered. The present study seeks to provide information on the site-fidelity and movement patterns of individual bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in central Argentina. 2. Between 2007 and 2013, photo-identification data of bottlenose dolphins were collected in four study sites some 90–200 km apart from each other along the central Argentinean coast. 3. Results show long-term site-fidelity (over 5 years) in one of the study areas. Resighting rates further suggest the existence of different sub-populations of bottlenose dolphins, but also confirm some connectivity (with movements over 200– 290 km) and thus potential for gene flow within the region. 4. Considering the population declines of bottlenose dolphins in Argentina, information on site-fidelity and movement patterns will be of value to improve the effectiveness of existing MPAs for the conservation of the species as well as prioritizing areas for increased research.