Abstract:
This database contains health assessment data from three species of live dolphins over the West Florida Shelf, common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis), and a rough-toothed dolphin, Steno bredanensis) using methods previously described. Relevant data for each live wild dolphin sampled include species, sampling location (latitude and longitude), date, time, sex, morphometrics, physical veterinary exam results, and diagnostic test results, summarized as 1) blood and disease findings, and 2) cytology findings (from urine, blowhole, gastric, fecal samples).
Suggested Citation:
Randall Wells, Robyn Allen. Health assessment of wild dolphins over the West Florida Shelf, 2022-24: Blood, Disease, Cytology Parameters. Distributed by: GRIIDC, Harte Research Institute, Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi. doi:10.7266/gccpb9s7
Methods:
Standard catch-and-release health assessments were performed (Wells et al. 2004; Barratclough et al. 2019). Dolphins riding at the bow of the research vessel were caught with a break-away hoop-net, and maneuvered to a floating mat and then in some cases moved to the deck of the research vessel for measurements, examination, and sampling by 2 veterinarians before being tagged with a satellite-linked transmitter and released on-site.
Wells, R.S., H.L. Rhinehart, L.J. Hansen, J.C. Sweeney, F.I. Townsend, R. Stone, D. Casper, M.D. Scott, A.A. Hohn, and T.K. Rowles. 2004. Bottlenose dolphins as marine ecosystem sentinels: Developing a health monitoring system. EcoHealth 1:246-254.
Barratclough, A., R. S. Wells, L. H. Schwacke, T. K. Rowles, F. M. Gomez, D. A. Fauquier, J. C. Sweeney, F. I. Townsend, L. J. Hansen, E. S. Zolman, B. C. Balmer and C. R. Smith. 2019. Health assessments of common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus): Past, present, and potential conservation applications. Frontiers in Veterinary Science. 6:444. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2019.00444