Study

Movements and dive patterns of a rehabilitated Risso's dolphin, Grampus griseus, in the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean

  • Published source details Wells R.S., Manire C.A., Byrd L., Smith D.R., Gannon J.G., Fauquier D.A. & Mullin K.D. (2009) Movements and dive patterns of a rehabilitated Risso's dolphin, Grampus griseus, in the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean. Marine Mammal Science, 25, 420-429.

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Rehabilitate and release injured, sick or weak marine and freshwater mammals

Action Link
Marine and Freshwater Mammal Conservation
  1. Rehabilitate and release injured, sick or weak marine and freshwater mammals

    A study in 2005–2006 of a pelagic area in the Gulf of Mexico, USA (Wells et al. 2009) found that a stranded Risso’s dolphin Grampus griseus that was rehabilitated and released back into the wild survived for at least three weeks. The released male dolphin was successfully tracked for 23 days before contact was lost with the transmitter. The dolphin travelled more than 3,300 km at an average speed of 7.2 km/h and occupied appropriate habitats (warm water over steep slopes) in areas known to be used by the species. The adult dolphin was taken to a rehabilitation facility after a mass stranding event in July 2005. He was treated with antibiotics, anti-fungal and anti-ulcer medications, and fed 18 kg squid/day. After seven months of rehabilitation, the dolphin was satellite-tagged and released 159 km offshore. The dolphin was tracked for 23 days in February–March 2006. A female adult Risso’s dolphin rescued at the same time died during rehabilitation.

    (Summarised by: Anna Berthinussen)

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