Seasonal population parameters reveal sex‐related dynamics of common bottlenose dolphins in open waters of the southwestern Gulf of Mexico

• DOI: 10.1111/mms.12897
• Publication Date: 2021-12-17T11:14:33Z
• Authors: Jaime Bolaños‐Jim...; Eduardo Morteo; Pedro F. Fruet; Christian A. Delf...; Eduardo R. Secchi; Javier Bello‐Pineda
• Keywords: Dry season; Mark and recapture; Wet season

Abstract In coastal populations of the common bottlenose dolphin, resident females are usually more abundant and have restricted home ranges than males. Here, we studied sex‐specific population dynamics dolphins off Alvarado Lagoon System, southwestern Gulf Mexico. We used standard photo‐identification capture‐mark‐recapture methods to determine parameters under superpopulation approach. Seasonal survival fluctuated around 0.96 (range: 0.80–1.00) was equal for sexes; recruitment putative (PF) males (PM) low, asynchronous, reached 0.14 0.04–0.10) 0.09 0.09–0.09), respectively, indicating high residency. PF abundance ranged from 60, 95% CI [48, 74] in northern winds' season 2008 a low 38, [31, 47] dry 2010. PM 14, [12, 16] 9, [7, 11] A regression analysis showed significant autocorrelation, pattern residuals abundance, no trends as well temporal fluctuations that suggest possible carrying capacity effect. Accordingly, site fidelity, ranging patterns, sporadic likely driving this population.