We are pleased to announce the publication of the following article in the Canadian Journal of Zoology: S. Gero, L. Bejder, H. Whitehead, J. Mann, and R.C. Connor. (2005) Behaviourally specific preferred associations in bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops spp. The article is available online CONTENTS section at http://cjz.nrc.ca (this may only be available free to Canadian's). Alternatively, a pdf reprint is available from the corresponding author's website under publications: http://whitelab.biology.dal.ca/sge/pub.html ABSTRACT: We investigated association patterns of 52 photographically identified, free-ranging bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops spp. Gervais,1855) across four behavioural states (rest, travel, social, foraging/feeding) to investigate how behavioural state influences patterns of association. Group composition and behavioural data were extracted from 2178 encounter surveys collected over 3 years. Analyses revealed three general types of association: (1) affiliates, which consistently demonstrate preferred associations across all behavioral states; (2) acquaintances, which never form preferred associations but still associate in at least one behavioural state; and (3) behavioural associates, which form preferred associations in at least one, but not all behavioural states. The majority of associations in Shark Bay, Australia, are acquaintance type (38.2%), with affiliates (5.7%, principally between adult males) and behavioural associates (28.9%, principally between juveniles) being relatively rarer. Permutation tests identified behaviourally specific preferred associations during all behavioural states. Although behaviourally specific preferred associations appear to exist with the Shark Bay social structure, it seems that the social organization and mating system constrain the social relationships for the majority of males and females in differing ways which prevent them from having behavioural associates, leaving juveniles free to associate based on short-term expediency and behavioural specific needs. *********************************** Shane Gero, M.Sc. Whitehead Lab Biology Dept. Dalhousie University Halifax, Nova Scotia Canada B3H 4J1 Lab Tel: (902) 494-3723 Lab Fax: (902) 494-3736 sgero@dal.ca http://whitelab.biology.dal.ca/sge/