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Photo-Identification of Common Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in Montenegrin Waters

A boat-based, photo-identification survey of common bottlenose dolphins in Montenegrin territorial waters was carried out to create a baseline database and inform future studies on their abundance and distribution. A total of 21 sightings were recorded during 27 outings in the period from May to September 2013, resulting in a total of 73 identified individuals. A weighted mean encounter rate of 0.006 groups/km was calculated using 5 x 5 km EEA grid cells with sufficient effort (>7.07 km per cell). Using the Chao Mth model, the abundance of the resident community of common bottlenose dolphins inhabiting Montenegrin waters was estimated to be 90 individuals (SE = 14.92, LCI = 71, UCI = 152). Preliminary data indicates that there is a subset of individuals regularly using the enclosed Boka Kotorska Bay and further research is needed to investigate specific habitat use patterns. A precautionary approach should be implemented in conservation plans dealing with this data deficient bottlenose dolphin community.

Abundance ; Boka Kotorska Bay ; Encounter rate ; Montenegro ; South Adriatic

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