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Breeding program in rehabilitated bottlenose dolphins ( Tursiops truncatus gephyreus ) from the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean
Author(s) -
Loureiro Julio D.,
Migliorisi Ana L.,
Loureiro Juan P.,
Rodríguez Heredia Sergio,
Rebollo Jorge,
Álvarez Karina C.,
Morón Sergio,
Nuñez Favre Romina
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
zoo biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.5
H-Index - 54
eISSN - 1098-2361
pISSN - 0733-3188
DOI - 10.1002/zoo.21592
Subject(s) - biology , estuary , bottlenose dolphin , semen , fishery , population , ice calving , reproduction , zoology , reproductive biology , endangered species , ecology , habitat , demography , pregnancy , lactation , anatomy , embryo , genetics , sociology , embryogenesis
Tursiops truncatus gephyreus is only found in the inshore waters of the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean. They are organized in small socially, structured groups, which lead to low genetic variability and high anthropogenic threats. Currently, the information about their reproductive biology and management is still insufficient. Thus, this study aims to present novel information recorded for 20 years regarding reproductive parameters in a small population of captive T. t. gephyreus . Three of the animals involved were found stranded in La Plata River estuary and, the other two were born at the oceanarium. Thirteen semen evaluations showed high‐quality semen with a low percentage of sperm abnormalities. Twelve pregnancies and parturitions were observed. There was a clear calving seasonality during austral spring and summer. The duration of phase‐2 of labor was approximately 80 min, being the caudal presentation the most frequent. The average inter‐birth interval (IBI) was about 33 months. This is the first report that closely monitored parturition, IBI, and seminal evaluation in this species. Information gathered during this program will allow the development of adequate conservation plans for free‐ranging populations.