Abstract
Synchrony among Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) is crucial for successfully overcoming bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) during interspecies aggression (Cusick and Herzing 2014). The present study examined synchrony in adult Atlantic spotted dolphins during aggressive encounters with bottlenose dolphins. Across group size, aggressive behaviors increased preceding synchrony, peaked during synchrony, and decreased dramatically after synchrony. Although smaller groups (< 10 dolphins) became synchronous more frequently than larger groups (> 10 dolphins), larger groups remained synchronous longer; however, smaller groups exhibited greater aggressive behaviors during synchrony, suggesting that additional aggressive behaviors may be necessary to compensate for the smaller group size, whereas larger groups may be able to rely on synchrony with less aggression. Disorganized squawk bouts synchronized as physical synchrony began, but only if coupled with escalating aggression.
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Acknowledgements
This research was conducted with the Wild Dolphin Project in the Bahamas under Bahamian Department of Fisheries permits. Thank you to Dr. I. Johanson. Thank you to C. Volker for serving as second observer, to B. Augliere, and N. Skrzypczak. Thank you to the Wild Dolphin Project researchers, crew, and supporters.
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Myers, A.J., Herzing, D.L. & Bjorklund, D.F. Synchrony during aggression in adult male Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) . acta ethol 20, 175–185 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10211-017-0262-7
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10211-017-0262-7