FHOTOIDENTIFICATION APPLIED TO Sotalia fluviatilis, (Cetacea, Delphinidae) OF SEPETIBA BAY

ABSTRACT

Since 1994 a photoidentification catalog has been organized to study the Sotalia fluviatilis population in Sepetiba Bay. The preliminary data from April 1994 to June 1998 are presented. They indicate the existence of habitat fidelity and a possible degree of affinity between two dolphins. Problems involved in the field are discussed. This study has been provided informations that will be the base for future ecological studies necessary to the conservation of S. fluviatilis in Sepetiba Bay.

Key words
Photoidentification; Cetacean; Sotalia fluviatilis; Sepetiba Bay.