This document is the first and only publicly available identification catalogue for bottlenose dolphins in Western Port. The catalogue fills an important gap in the understanding of this unique community of dolphins, adding value in understanding life histories, social bonds between animals and habitat use. We consider the catalogue to be a living document that will be regularly updated as new animals are identified and/or new features appear on existing catalogued animals.
Catalogue updated June 2024.
Western Port is home to a small community of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), with fewer than two dozen known to frequent the bay.
The Dolphin Research Institute has been studying this group since 2006, monitoring the population and their unique behaviours. These dolphins are known to interact with humans, dogs, and horses near the shore. Some interactions, like surfing alongside surfers, may be harmless, but others, such as dogs chasing them or people approaching too closely, can be more worrisome.
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