ETHOGRAM OF THE BOTTLE-NOSED-DOLPHIN, WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO SOLITARY AND SOCIABLE DOLPHINS

A synthesis of existing information on the ethogram of the bottlenose dolphin has been made as a framework for the comparison of gregarious and solitary individuals studied in different regions. This method was used to verify the efficiency of the ethogram as a tool to compare in terspecific behaviour. The main objective of the study was to elaborat e a standardised ethogram with precise descriptions and graphical repr esentations of all the patterns which have been identified. In total, 123 patterns have been described, including new patterns which have be en observed in the solitary and sociable individuals that have appeare d in increasing number in many countries around the world. The standar dised ethogram, established during this study, is proposed asa tool fo r ethological field work on dolphins. We believe it can ensure greater compatibility of observations made in different study areas.