Sexual coercion and aggression towards a newborn calf of marine tucuxi dolphins (Sotalia guianensis)

Abstract

2002). Since 1994, our group has been conducting field studies inthis area with the objective of creating a visual database to assist in the study of theecology and behavior of marine tucuxi dolphins. Fieldwork was conducted using a7-m-long boat, which traveled on a non-systematic route until one or more groupsof dolphins were sighted. The geographical position of the target was marked andpictures were taken using a Canon EOS digital camera (Canon EOS 20D digitalcamera, Tokyo, Japan) fitted with a Canon EF 75–300-mm zoom lens. Due to thepoor underwater visibility, approximately 1.5 m, we could not conduct detailedunderwater observations.1