Dolphins
The grey nose dolphin (Sotalia guianensis)
is often to be seen in the waters off Madeiro and
Curral beaches (which are also known as Dolphin
Bay and Guarairas lagoon.) This dolphin, known as
Tucuxi in the Amazon, is being monitored at present
by a project run by the Federal University of Rio
Grande do Norte (Projeto Botos de Pipa). The project
aims to study the behaviour and environment of these
charismatic sea mammals as well as their distribution
over the area.
Some studies have shown that these dolphins are
seen only in coastal regions, living in bays, estuaries
and lagoons.
Generally they are to be found along the eastern
coastlines of Southern and central America; from
Nicaragua in the north to the Brazilian state of
Santa Catarina in the south.
The dolphins’ natural habitat are the shallow
waters of estuaries and coves where they feed on
fish such as the tainha,the sauna and sardines as
well as squid and crustacea.
As these areas are more protected they are ideal
for the dolphins to rest and raise their young.
This
dolphin is one of the smaller of its kind measuring
between 1.8m and 2.2m. Its young are a third of
this length and are cared for by the adults from
birth, being taught how to breathe, fish and play.
This species reaches sexual maturity with a length
of approximately 1.4m. It is a sociable mammal living
in groups of two to six.
Amongst the few studies of the grey nose which have
been realized up until now are those concerning
the play, aerial behaviour, habitat and use of shared
area & interaction with humans involving fishing.
Source:
Rodrigo Sartorio, Biologist.
