Sousa, B. et al (2009): Spatial and temporal distribution patterns of Delphinus delphis and Stenella frontalis in São Miguel Island, Azores

In Pico and São Miguel, Fernandez et al. (2009) studied habitat preferences of Delphinus delphis and Stenella frontalis with niche overlap in Pico and distinct distributions in São Miguel.

Objectives

Spatial distribution and habitat preferences of two delphinid spp, the common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) and Atlantic spotted dolphin (Stenella frontalis) around two Azorean islands, Pico, São Miguel were analised. The objectives included: Relationships between species distribution and environmental factors: depth and slope. Looking at potential niche overlap, niche segregation of the two species. Ecological niches of these dolphins – how bathymetric features influence them.

Impact

Specific distribution patterns identified between islands and the species. In Pico, the two species had a high niche overlap, presumably more homogeneous bathymetry, whereas in São Miguel, their distributions were distinct, with D. delphis occupying shallower water and S. frontalis occupying deeper.
These difference suggest niche segregation in Sao Miguel and emphasize environmental features influence on habitat preferences.
The results help to understand delphinid ecology and can be used to guide marine biodiversity conservation.

Supported UN Global Goals

Fernandez et al. (2009) contribute to SDG 14 (Life Below Water) by investigating the spatial distribution as well as ecological niches of Delphinus delphis and Stenella frontalis in the Pico and São Miguel area in the Azores. The study shows that bathymetric features have an important role in species distribution, with distinct habitat segregation in São Miguel and niche overlap in Pico, giving valuable data for marine biodiversity conservation and ecosystem management.