Social Relationships and Associations Patterns in a Rough-toothed Dolphin (Steno Bredanensis) Social Group
JJ Mullen1 Erin Frick-Gonzalez1
1 Animal Studies, Eckerd College
Social Relationships and Associations Patterns in a Rough-toothed Dolphin (Steno Bredanensis) Social Group
JJ Mullen1 Erin Frick-Gonzalez1
1 Animal Studies, Eckerd College
JJ Mullen
Eckerd College
Effective social management in zoological facilities requires ongoing monitoring of social dynamics and association patterns to support positive welfare in highly social species. This case study at Clearwater Marine Aquarium examines social associations and relationships based on behavioral interactions within a managed group of rough-toothed dolphins: Rosie, Rudy, Wren, Kitana, Dagny, and Doris. As an understudied species in professional care, evaluating social structure and interaction patterns is important for management. Very little is known about the socialization of rough-toothed dolphins, making this study one of the first to investigate the strength and context of their relationships using applied behavior analysis methodologies. After the introduction of this social group, video footage was collected over a 6 month period and coded using ZooMonitor. Baseline activity budgets were analyzed across varying social housing to assess group cohesion, partner preferences and changes in interactions. Findings highlight the changing nature of group social dynamics and showcase the importance of behavioral monitoring for welfare. By quantifying these interactions, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of the species-typical social structure of rough-toothed dolphins.
Contact Information
Erin Frick- frickee@eckerd.edu
JJ Mullen - jrmullen@eckerd.edu
pictures sourced from CMA
Rough-toothed Dolphins housed at Clearwater Marine Aquarium