Intracoastal Bottlenose Dolphin Male Pair Bond Behavioral Patterns

The " Intracoastal Bottlenose Dolphin Male Pair Bond Behavioral Patterns" study will show the relations, behaviors, and bonds between the male bottlenose dolphins of the Big Marco River marine ecosystem. The study will include a description of the 10,000 Islands Dolphin Research Project (2006 to present) as well as the research vessel, "The Dolphin Explorer." The purpose of the study is to compare and contrast the local dolphins in the Marco River to other habitats. The study will show trends in unique behavioral patterns and mating practices heretofore undocumented. Utilizing 12 years of first-person observation and 20 years of field data provided by the 10,000 Island Dolphin Research Project, the study will show repeated behavioral trends associated with the local male pair bonds. Included will be formation of new pair bonds, mating practices, and dissolution of bonds through migration or mortality. The study will also include dolphin evolution, physiology, and a description of the resident ecosystems. In order to ensure the health of the entire ecosystem, it is important to document any changes in the behavior of the local male pair bonds. Bottlenose dolphins are a keystone species. As such their health and stability is an indicator of the ecosystem's health as a whole.<br><br>