New insights on the presence and distribution of the short-beaked common dolphin. Delphinus delphis, in Italian waters

Pooled data on the endangered short-beaked common dolphin Delphinus delphis collected in the central Mediterranean Sea over 2000-2014 period by different research groups in Italy were analysed. A total of 266 encounters with 4675 common dolphins was attained. The species was mainly recorded in the central and southern Tyrrhenian Sea (around Ischia Island and Strait of Messina), in both pelagic and neritic habitats. Mixed groups of common dolphin with other cetacean species were observed in 78 occasions. Group size ranged from 1 to >100 individuals, with differences between study areas. The presence of calves was consistently documented around Ischia only.