A MASS STRANDING OF WHITE-SIDED DOLPHINS (LAGENORHYNCHUS-ACUTUS) IN IRELAND - BIOLOGICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL-STUDIES

We give details of the biological and pathological findings in a mass stranding of 19 white-sided dolphins on the west coast of Ireland. The pod consisted of adults and calves; no juveniles were present. The ca lf of a recently parturient female was not found. The presence of smal l foetuses suggested that mating took place in late August or early Se ptember. The largest and oldest male was severely diseased but the rem ainder of the pod were in good health although some minor lesions were found. The site where the animals came ashore was compatible with the geomagnetic theory of mass strandings.