New insights on the presence and distribution of the short-beaked common dolphin, Delphinus delphis, in Italian waters

• Published in: Biologia marina mediterranea Vol. 22; no. 1; pp. 262 - 263
• Main Authors: Pace, D S, Mussi, B, Airoldi, S, Alessi, J, Arcangeli, A, Atzori, F, Azzolin, M, Campana, I, Celona, A, Fiori, C, Giacoma, C, Gnone, G, Luperini, C, Mangano, R, Miragliuolo, A, Moulins, A, Nuti, S, Pellegrino, G, Rosso, M, Salvioli, F, Tepsich, P, Tringali, M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.03.2015
• Subjects: Delphinus delphis; Marine; MED, Italy, Messina Strait; MED, Tyrrhenian Sea, South; MED, Italy, Campania, Ischia I
• ISSN: 1123-4245

Pooled data on the endangered short-beaked common dolphin Delphinus delphis collected in the central Mediterranean Sea over 2000-2014 period by different research groups in Italy were analysed. A total of 266 encounters with 4675 common dolphins was attained. The species was mainly recorded in the central and southern Tyrrhenian Sea (around Ischia Island and Strait of Messina; Italy), in both pelagic and neritic habitats. Mixed groups of common dolphin with other cetacean species were observed in 78 occasions. Group size ranged from 1 to >100 individuals, with differences between study areas. The presence of calves was consistently documented around Ischia only.