STUDY OF BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN BEHAVIOUR

This research course is designed for students, biologist, and more interested people who seek a broad view of the behavioural sampling methods for the study of bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) behaviour in the wild.

Using study techniques that neither harm nor seriously disturb the animals, students conduct studies into the bottlenose dolphin behaviour in Sardinian waters, as well as collecting detailed information about their environment. Students will participate in boat-based research surveys investigating ecology and behaviour of bottlenose dolphins on the north-eastern coast of Sardinia, Italy. Students will actively participate in data collection and analyses as part of an ongoing research.

BDRI's research courses give an insight into the workings of a research team, and provides valuable experience in a wide range of areas including scientific data collection, analysis and presentation; giving public talks and much more. To be successful participants in these courses, students should have open minds, flexibility in changing situations, and a desire to help and to learn.

All classes will be in a form of both (a) lectures that will lead to more "informal" discussion, hopefully ending with a constructive brain-storming on the specific topic, as well as (b) instructions with hand-on practical component, especially when it involves field techniques.

Practical training, lessons in the field base, and discussions include:

•  Bottlenose dolphins biology

•  Behavioural sampling methods

•  Behavioural patterns & behavioural events

•  Analysis of underwater & surface dolphin videos

•  Focal individual and focal group behaviour

•  Interaction between dolphins and human activities

•  Opportunistic feeding behaviour

•  Respiratory patterns & dolphins behaviour

•  Cleaning of equipment and primary statistical data analyses

•  Computer orientation