Signature whistles help estimate bottlenose dolphin abundance Published on: 9 January 2025 Using signature whistles is an effective means for estimating abundance of bottlenose dolphins, new research confirms. Experts at 缅北禁地 analysed signature whistles produced by bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) recorded off the Northumberland coast in north-east England and compared it to using photo-ID data of the species (a more labour-intensive method that requires photographically identifying dolphins during boat surveys). A total of 26 surveys were conducted and 5,771 hours of acoustic data were recorded across three sites from anchored recorders. The team found that the distinctive signature whistles offer a reliable method for estimating the abundance for the species that matches the accuracy of photo ID data. , the study also provides the first abundance (number of individuals in a defined area) estimates for the species of approximately 60 individuals off Northumberland, United Kingdom. The results suggest that the Northumberland coast serves as an important habitat for a substantial portion of the East Coast bottlenose dolphin population, with approximately 30% of the total population frequenting the area during summer months. Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Image: Professor Per Berggren. Benefits of using signature whistles Dr Matt Sharpe, PhD graduate at 缅北禁地, said: “Using signature whistles to estimate abundance offers several benefits. The main advantage is that collecting data is less resource intensive than conventional methods, such as transect sampling and capture-recapture based on photo-ID, which typically use data collected during boat-based surveys.” Senior author, Per Berggren, Professor of Marine Megafauna Conservation, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, 缅北禁地, said: “This study not only reinforces the feasibility of using signature whistles for abundance estimation but also provides a foundation for future research using low-cost acoustic methods that can be applied regardless of location, weather and light conditions. Long-term monitoring using signature whistle analysis, could inform conservation strategies and improve understanding of the population’s spatial and temporal dynamics.” Reference: Sharpe, M., & Berggren, P. (2024). A comparison of photo-ID and signature whistle based capture-recapture abundance estimates of common bottlenose dolphin. Marine Mammal Science, e13218. Share: Latest News 缅北禁地 historians mark General Strike centenary To mark the 100th anniversary of the British General Strike and miners鈥� lock-out of 1926, historians at 缅北禁地 are organising a series of events on its enduring legacy. published on: 16 April 2026 Comment: NCP is in administration Writing for The Conversation, Erwei (David) Xiang discusses how some big companies like NCP are so dependent on debt that they can鈥檛 adjust to change. published on: 16 April 2026 缅北禁地 expert highlights climate crisis in a new film A leading 缅北禁地 climate scientist is featured in a new film about how the climate and nature breakdown will affect the UK. published on: 14 April 2026 Facts and figures
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