Injuries and skin condition ofIndo‐Pacifichumpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) in the northern South China Sea

• DOI: 10.1111/mms.13043
• Publication Date: 2023-06-12T06:06:42Z
• Authors: Agathe Serres; Wenzhi Lin; Binshuai Liu; Mingli Lin; Mingming Liu; Songhai Li
• Keywords: Indo-Pacific; Southern china

Abstract Indo‐Pacific humpback dolphins ( Sousa chinensis ) inhabiting the Chinese coastline of northern South China Sea are subject to intense human activity. To investigate potential impacts dolphins, photographs taken from 2010 2021 in five different locations were analyzed. Among individual N = 1,159), 10.6% presented human‐induced injuries. Adults more frequently injured than young and individuals around Jiangmen, Hainan, Sanniang Bay highest injury prevalence. More research should be conducted areas that have been less research, such as Jiangmen dolphin watching activities occurring monitored regulated. Forty‐seven percent skin conditions, with orange patches being most frequent (41.5%). Orange hyper‐pigmented pink spots significantly prevalent summer fall winter spring. females males, well calves relative older age classes. Seasonal patterns may linked water temperatures, while demographic associated immune defenses. These findings allow for a better understanding impact on inform further conservation measures.