Abstract
Associations among Hector's dolphins photographically identified in the waters off Banks Peninsula, New Zealand, were studied using cluster analyses of simple and half-weight association indices. In addition, we carried out a temporal analysis of association patterns, plotting changes in the standardized reassociation rate over time. Some individually identified Hector's dolphins were photographed in the study area in successive seasons and years, and appeared to be resident in the area. Social organization was characterized by relatively fluid association patterns, with little stability over periods longer than a few days. Both male and female Hector's dolphins interacted with a large number of other individuals, males more so than females. Association patterns and other evidence support the hypothesis that Hector's dolphins have a promiscuous mating system.
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