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First record of Fraser's dolphin Lagenodelphis hosei for the Dutch Caribbean

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 May 2012

Richard H. Witte*
Affiliation:
IMARES, Wageningen University Research Centre, PO Box 57, 1780 AB Den Helder, The Netherlands
Gerard van Buurt
Affiliation:
Island Territory of Curaçao, Department of Agricultural, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries, Curaçao, Santa Rosaweg 122, Curaçao
Adolphe O. Debrot
Affiliation:
IMARES, Wageningen University Research Centre, PO Box 57, 1780 AB Den Helder, The Netherlands
Luis A. Bermudez-Villapol
Affiliation:
Centro de Investigación de Cetáceos CIC (Cetacean Research Center), E/S Los Robles, Isla de Margarita, 6313, Venezuela
Fernando Simal
Affiliation:
Natural and Historic Resources Unit, STINAPA Bonaire, PO Box 368, Bonaire
*
Correspondence should be addressed to: R. Witte, IMARES, Wageningen University Research Centre, PO Box 57, 1780 AB Den Helder, The Netherlands email: richard.witte@wur.nl
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Abstract

A dead dolphin found on Bonaire in August 2011 is identified as adult Fraser's dolphin Lagenodelphis hosei, a new species for the Dutch Caribbean. A first closer examination showed a collapsed lung, stomach parasite infection and abundant mouth ulceration as indications of its health status. The animal was relatively fresh and did not die very long before it was found. Like more often with stranded deep diving cetacean species within the area, remnants of crustacean were found in its beak indicating recent foraging.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 2012

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References

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