Why do dolphins form mixed-species associations in the Azores ?
Sophie Qu\'erouil (IMAR-DOP, CAVIAR), M. A. Silva (IMAR-DOP), I., Cascao (IMAR-DOP), S. Magalhaes (IMAR-DOP), M. I. Seabra (IMAR-DOP), M. A., Machete (IMAR-DOP), R. S. Santos (IMAR-DOP)

TL;DR
This study investigates why four dolphin species in the Azores form mixed-species groups, finding that foraging advantages are the most supported reason, with associations influenced by environmental factors and species-specific traits.
Contribution
It provides the first detailed analysis of mixed-species dolphin associations in the Azores, highlighting the role of foraging benefits and environmental influences.
Findings
Foraging advantage is the most supported hypothesis.
Associations are opportunistic in bottlenose dolphins.
Associations in striped dolphins may be evolutionarily constrained.
Abstract
Mixed-species associations are temporary associations between individuals of different species that are often observed in birds, primates and cetaceans. They have been interpreted as a strategy to reduce predation risk, enhance foraging success and/or provide a social advantage. In the archipelago of the Azores, four species of dolphins are commonly involved in mixed-species associations: the common dolphin, Delphinus delphis, the bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops truncatus, the striped dolphin, Stenella coeruleoalba, and the spotted dolphin, Stenella frontalis. In order to understand the reasons why dolphins associate, we analysed field data collected since 1999 by research scientists and trained observers placed onboard fishing vessels. In total, 113 mixed-species groups were observed out of 5720 sightings. The temporal distribution, habitat (water depth, distance to the coast), behaviour…
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