Guido J. Parra

Scopus Publications

Whole-Genome-Sequencing Reveals Demographic History and Patterns of Parallel Adaptive Evolution in Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) Across Coastal Australian Seascapes
Svenja M. Marfurt, Adrien Tran Lu Y, Benjamin Dauphin, Manuela R. Bizzozzero, Masaomi Hatakeyama, Delphine B. H. Chabanne, Simon J. Allen, Felix Smith, Guido J. Parra, Michael Krützen
Molecular Ecology, 2026
Understanding how demographic dynamics interact with environmental heterogeneity is central to explaining patterns of genomic variation in the marine realm. Indo‐Pacific bottlenose dolphins ( Tursiops aduncus ) occur along most of the Australian coastline, from tropical to temperate waters, encompassing pronounced differences in temperature, salinity, chlorophyll‐a concentration and ocean currents. Using whole‐genome sequencing of individuals covering this range, we examined population genetic structure and adaptive divergence at a continental scale. Genome‐wide variation mirrored geographic patterns, consistent with a common origin in the north, followed by two independent stepping‐stone‐like colonization patterns along the eastern and the western coastlines from north to south. In contrast, putatively adaptive loci clustered individuals by tropical waters regardless of geographic distance, indicating strong parallel adaptation in tropical habitats. Candidate loci were enriched for functions related to metabolism and ion transport, with some mapping to genes with regulatory functions. Additional signals potentially suggest involvement of neuronal pathways, consistent with adaptation in a highly social and cognitively advanced marine mammal. Our results highlight the complex interplay between demographic history and selection and suggest tropical–temperate, potentially ecotype‐like differentiation across Australian waters. In the face of accelerating climate change, recognizing such adaptive structuring is critical for preserving evolutionary potential. Incorporating adaptive genomic information into conservation planning, alongside neutral genetic data, will be essential for anticipating population responses to future environmental change and for identifying biologically meaningful conservation units.
Distance defines us: determining dolphin group membership through analysis of inter-individual distances
Anna I. Christie, Andrew P. Colefax, Charlie White, Guido J. Parra
Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology, 2026
Group spacing and cohesion are fundamental aspects of social structure in group-living species, shaping interactions and ecological dynamics. Defining what constitutes a group can be problematic in highly mobile group-living species such as delphinids. Spatial proximity among individuals is often used to delimit group membership, yet threshold distances lack justification. In this study, we combined machine-learning methods with measurements extracted from drone-based observations to investigate how the sighting size, age composition, and behaviour influence nearest-neighbour distance (NND) and inter-individual distance (IID) among Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins ( Tursiops aduncus ) in Coffin Bay, South Australia. Our aim was to identify threshold distances for NND and IID that objectively define group membership based on spatial proximity. We identified threshold distances of 18 m for NND and 24 m for IID, based on the 95th percentile of their distributions across all sightings. Mixed-effects models showed statistically significant effects of sighting size, age composition and behaviour on both NND and IID, with effect sizes ranging from < 1 m to 12.6 m. Behaviour had the strongest impact, with dolphins exhibiting closer IID during socialising and travelling compared to foraging. Larger sighting sizes were associated with significant increases in both NND and IID, while higher proportions of juveniles and calves influenced spacing differently, and depended on sighting size. These findings reveal that dolphin spatial structure is dynamically shaped by sighting size, age composition and behaviour, advancing our understanding of the mechanisms governing group cohesion and coordination. The approach presented here provides an objective framework for defining delphinid groups, which is broadly applicable to other group-living mammals.
Two Cases of Early Orphan Survival in Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) From the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary, South Australia
Cristina Vicente‐Sánchez, Guido J. Parra, Catherine M. Kemper, Luciana M. Möller
Marine Mammal Science, 2026
Maternal care is a central determinant of offspring survival in long-lived mammals (Foster et al. 2012; Mann and Würsig 2019; Morrison et al. 2021; Parker et al. 2021; Rilling and Young 2014; Stanton et al. 2020). Prolonged dependency on the mother provides protection, nutritional provisioning, and opportunities for social and ecological learning that are essential for navigating complex environments (Foster et al. 2012; Gibson and Mann 2008; Morrison et al. 2021; Parker et al. 2021; Rilling and Young 2014; Stanton et al. 2020). Development trajectories for orphaned animals have been documented in long-lived and highly social mammals, such as primate species. Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) exhibit patterns of extended maternal care (Lonsdorf et al. 2020), with offspring typically weaned between 3 and 5 years of age, and juveniles continuing to maintain close associations with their mothers and younger siblings for an additional 4–5 years post-weaning (Lonsdorf et al. 2020). In chimpanzees, the youngest orphaned individuals to survive beyond 2 years were at least 30 months old at the time of maternal loss (Boesch et al. 2010; Stanton et al. 2020). In another primate species, the Phayre's leaf monkey (Trachypithecus phayrei), offspring reach independency around 2 years of age, and have been recorded to survive without the mother if they were at least 15–17 months of age (Borries et al. 2014). These studies suggest critical developmental thresholds below which independent survival is unlikely, reinforcing that early-orphaned individuals in long-lived mammals have low chances of surviving in the wild. Similar vulnerabilities are expected in cetaceans, which share slow life histories, prolonged maternal dependence, and strong social bonds (Jefferson et al. 2008; Würsig et al. 2018). Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) inhabit shallow coastal and estuarine environments across the Indian and western Pacific Oceans (Jefferson 2024; Würsig et al. 2018). They exhibit slow life histories and prolonged maternal investment (Kemper et al. 2019, 2014; Mann et al. 2000; Miketa et al. 2018; Perrin et al. 2009). Calves rely on their mothers for nutrition, protection, and access to social and ecological information for several years, gradually acquiring the skills required for independent foraging and social integration (Foster et al. 2012; Gibson and Mann 2008; Morrison et al. 2021; Parker et al. 2021; Rilling and Young 2014; Stanton et al. 2020). Female dolphins occupy central positions within social networks, forming stable, long-term bonds with their offspring and with other females. These relationships support social learning, cultural transmission, and cooperative behaviors that contribute to calf development and survival (Rendell et al. 2019). Behavioral development studies show that neonates and young calves rely heavily on maternal positioning, locomotor support, and behavioral scaffolding, with independent foraging and social skills emerging only gradually. Alloparent care, defined as caregiving behaviors provided by individuals other than the biological mother, has been observed in bottlenose dolphins and other cetaceans, including sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus), pilot whales (Globicephala melas), common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), and Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) (Augusto et al. 2017; Conry et al. 2022; Dudzinski et al. 2022; Gero et al. 2009; Mann and Smuts 1998; Weinpress and Herzing 2015). These behaviors include escorting, babysitting, protection from conspecifics, and occasional nursing of non-filial calves, as well as rare cases of spontaneous lactation and adoption of unrelated calves (Gaspar et al. 2000; Howells et al. 2009; Sakai et al. 2016). There is also growing evidence that bottlenose dolphins, along with other cetaceans and terrestrial mammals, may exhibit behavioral responses that resemble grief or mourning in response to the death of a calf or close social companion (Pedersen 2019; Reggente et al. 2016). Together, these behaviors underscore the strong bonds between mothers and their dependent calves and support the idea that premature loss of maternal care can significantly reduce offspring survival (Parker et al. 2021; Stanton et al. 2020), with effects that may persist beyond the weaning period (Foster et al. 2012; Morrison et al. 2021; Parker et al. 2021; Stanton et al. 2020). Nevertheless, the survival of orphaned young-of-the-year dolphins has rarely been documented despite the many longitudinal studies encompassing hundreds of birth-to-weaning events (Henderson et al. 2014; Mann et al. 2000, 2021; Robinson et al. 2017). Few cases of successful intervention or rehabilitation of orphaned cetaceans have been documented, including rehabilitation efforts (Mazzoil et al. 2008) and hand-rearing attempts (Kasamatsu et al. 2025). Hand-rearing requires intensive resources and specialized expertise, and even when calves survive the initial rehabilitation period, their ability to be socially integrated into wild populations later or develop species-typical behaviors is uncertain (Barbara 1999; Rilling and Young 2014). Within this background, this paper presents two rare case studies of orphaned female Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin calves that survived the loss of their mother and maternal care at 7–10 months of age without human intervention in a marine protected area in South Australia. In Australian waters, T. aduncus occurs along the entire coastline and in South Australia, at least five genetically distinct populations have been identified (Bilgmann et al. 2007; Möller and Beheregaray 2001; Pratt et al. 2018, 2023), including one inhabiting the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary (ADS) (Government of South Australia 2005a, 2008). Established in 2005 by the South Australian Government, the ADS is an area of 11,880 ha that was designated to protect a resident population (Bossley et al. 2017; Government of South Australia 2005a; Haigh et al. 2025) (Figure 1). Like many coastal zones adjacent to major urban centers, the ADS has undergone extensive anthropogenic modification over time due to a long-standing history of industrial and commercial activity. Key stressors include channel dredging, the removal of aquatic vegetation, wastewater discharge, thermal pollution from industrial operations, and increased stormwater inflows (Government of South Australia 2003, 2007). The sanctuary also contains the city's principal industrial precinct, which has historically contributed to environmental degradation through the release of contaminants such as heavy metals, organic pollutants, sewage effluent, and heated wastewater (Kirkwood et al. 2022). While many questions remain about the current status, overall health, and viability of the ADS's dolphin population, it is well documented that these pressures contribute to sublethal health effects or, in severe cases, mortality of dolphins, particularly calves and juveniles (Culloch et al. 2016; Government of South Australia 2022; Graham et al. 2017; Haigh et al. 2025; Kirkwood et al. 2022; Tomo and Kemper 2022a, 2022b). The ADS dolphin population has been subject to continuous monitoring for almost three decades using photo identifications techniques (Bossley et al. 2017; Haigh et al. 2025). In addition to this long-term monitoring program, a dedicated dolphin health study led by Flinders University has been underway since 2022, with boat-based surveys conducted under favorable weather conditions (Beaufort Sea State ≤ 3, swell < 1 m, and no rain or fog) monthly from March 2022 to March 2023 and fortnightly from July 2024 to July 2025. Individual animals were photographed and information was recorded about time of sighting, dolphin group location, number of animals within the group and their behaviors, following CEBEL's established survey protocols (Shane et al. 1986; Zanardo 2018). Good-quality photos (Hupman et al. 2018; Markowitz et al. 2003) were used for photo-ID as part of the health study. The Department for Environment and Water (DEW) is the South Australian government agency responsible for managing the sanctuary since its establishment 20 years ago. DEW has documented key demographic events in the population, including calf births, health-compromising events, and mortalities. Additionally, when carcasses were recovered, postmortems were typically conducted by researchers of the South Australian Museum, or more recently the veterinary lab at University of Adelaide, to determine cause of death and assess overall health status. Complementing these official efforts, citizen scientists conducted regular land-based monitoring, particularly within the inner port and adjacent coastal waters, which are surveyable by land. These observers provided valuable reports on newborns, unusual behavior, and signs of ill health in individual dolphins. Information was disseminated via social media platforms (Facebook) and communicated directly to government representatives and researchers, if pertinent, enabling integration into formal datasets and official records. The information derived from the official government records, the Flinders University health study, and the long-term citizen science observations were used to document the case of two orphaned female T. aduncus that lost their mothers and maternal care at under 10 months of age but survived without any intervention or observed alloparent care. Longitudinal observational data demonstrate that both dolphins survived for several years after orphaning. One survived to adulthood, giving birth in 2025 (14 years after maternal loss) and remains alive and physically healthy at the time of writing. The other, although she remarkably survived the early years without maternal care, died at approximately 3 years of age in October 2025 due to an anthropogenic cause (boat strike). The first case involves a female, informally named Ali, born in February 2011. Ali (Figure 2a,b) was orphaned in October 2011 following the sudden death of her mother, Millie, who exhibited acute thoracic hemorrhaging of unknown etiology upon post-mortem investigations (Government of South Australia 2005b). At the time, Ali was approximately 9 months old, well below the typical weaning age of 3 to 5 years (Krzyszczyk et al. 2017; Würsig et al. 2018) for the species and her survival prospects were considered extremely poor. However, Ali was sighted in the months after becoming orphaned and was observed regularly over the following years. In March 2025, Ali gave birth to a calf (Figure 2b), but unfortunately it did not survive the neonatal period. The calf was first observed on March 8, 2025 and last sighted alive on March 11, 2025. Post-mortem examination identified the cause of death as blunt force trauma to the head (The Adelaide University 2025), suggested as a potential case of infanticide or vessel strike. It remains unknown whether Ali's early orphaning influenced the timing at which she reached sexual maturity given the natural variation in the age of female maturation for this population (Kemper et al. 2019, 2014). It is also not possible to know whether being an orphan at an early age had any impact on the loss of her calf. It is well-documented from other studies that bottlenose dolphin calves exhibit high mortality rates (Cheney et al. 2019; Henderson et al. 2014; Mann et al. 2000, 2021; Robinson et al. 2017). Ali was often observed alone and showed a marked tendency to approach vessels, engaging in behaviors such as bow-riding or exploratory interactions around boats (personal communication by citizen scientists and personal observation by the first author). This tendency may represent a maladaptive behavior linked to her early orphaning. Nonetheless, Ali remained in good physical health at the time of writing. The second case pertains to another female calf, named Rocket, born between January and February 2022 (Figure 3a,b). Rocket was orphaned in early September 2022 following the disappearance and presumed death of her mother, Ripple. Both Rocket and Ripple had shown several lacerations, lesions (Figure 4), and signs of declining body condition in the weeks prior to Ripple's disappearance. Rocket and her mother were monitored during this period, and an investigation (Government of South Australia 2022) was also undertaken into other dolphins that exhibited similarly poor body condition and subsequently died; however, the specific causes and drivers of Ripple's and Rocket's health issues remained unclear. Despite her young age at the time of orphaning, which was estimated to be around 7 to 9 months, and her poor health condition at the time of her mother's disappearance, Rocket managed to recover from the health-compromising events that her mother succumbed to and survived until September 2025 (Figure 4). She exhibited atypical behavioral patterns after the loss of her mother. A comparison of sightings of Rocket and a second resident calf of similar age, Piki, that remained under maternal care illustrates a broader spatial range of sightings for the maternally dependent calf compared to the orphaned individual (Figure 5). In addition, Rocket also exhibited a heightened tendency to approach vessels. During all recorded sightings of Rocket during the Flinders health study surveys, the “boat interaction” behavior, defined as deliberate engagement with vessels such as bow-riding, inquisitive approaches, or other close interactions, was consistently observed. Similarly, citizen scientist reports of Rocket approaching recreational and commercial vessels were common (personal communication by citizen scientists; corroborated by government records and publicly available social media posts). Although Rocket was mostly observed alone during systematic surveys, she was recorded associating on two occasions with two conspecifics (Piki and its mother) when they were present within her usual use area. Citizen science observations also provided anecdotal accounts of Rocket's interactions with several other individuals in the population; however, these reports were not systematically documented or verified. Rocket ultimately died from a boat strike at approximately 3 years of age (personal communication by government authorities; corroborated by photographic evidence). Although both calves appeared to develop an increased tendency to approach vessels, neither exhibited other visual signs of illness, maladaptation, or long-term impairment. Rocket's survival to nearly 3 years of age, together with Ali's long-term survival, provides rare empirical evidence that young-of-year calves can persist without maternal care. Ali's survival extended to sexual maturity and she remains physiologically healthy at the time of writing. These observations add case-specific evidence that may inform management decisions regarding orphaned calves. These two case studies on the survival of orphaned dolphin calves provide evidence that, beyond a certain age, calves may be capable of surviving without their mothers. Therefore, decisions to euthanize orphan calves should not automatically assume that survival is impossible. However, given the limited number of cases, clear criteria for making such decisions cannot yet be established. Catherine M. Kemper: writing – review and editing. Luciana M. Möller: writing – review and editing, supervision. Guido J. Parra: writing – review and editing. Cristina Vicente-Sánchez: conceptualization, investigation, writing – original draft, methodology, writing – review and editing, formal analysis, visualization. The authors declare no conflicts of interest. The data that support the findings of this study are available from South Australia Department of Environment and Water. Restrictions apply to the availability of these data, which were used under license for this study. Data are available from the author(s) with the permission of South Australia Department of Environment and Water.
Population Demographics of Killer Whales (Orcinus orca) in Western Australia
Marissa J. Hutchings, Guido J. Parra, Rebecca Wellard, John A. Totterdell, Isabella M. Reeves, Luciana Möller
Marine Mammal Science, 2026
Understanding population demographics is crucial for the effective conservation of species. This is particularly important for apex predators, such as the killer whale ( Orcinus orca ), which play important roles in maintaining the structure and function of ecosystems. In this study, we used capture‐mark‐recapture (CMR) modeling to assess killer whale demographics at two distinct aggregation sites in Western Australia: the Ningaloo Reef (NW) and Bremer Sub‐basin (SW). Using 12 years of photo‐identification (photo‐ID) data from the NW and 6 years from the SW, we applied open population models (POPAN and Cormack–Jolly–Seber) to estimate the abundance ( N total ), apparent survival ( Phi ), capture probability ( p ), and probability of entry ( pent ) of killer whales inhabiting these key areas. Abundance estimates in the NW, which combined females, males, and individuals of unknown sex ( N total = 47 ± 2, 95% CI = 43–52), revealed a small, well‐marked, and frequently resighted population with high apparent survival ( Phi female = 0.98 ± 0.016, 95% CI = 0.91–0.99; Phi male = 0.88 ± 0.060, 95% CI = 0.71–0.96; Phi unknown = 0.82 ± 0.064, 95% CI = 0.66–0.92). In contrast, abundance estimates in the SW, which separated sexed adults ( N total = 102 ± 7, 95% CI = 88–117) from the unknown sex group, suggested a much larger and more transient population with variable apparent survival ( Phi female = 0.98 ± 0.001, 95% CI = 0.97–0.98; Phi male = 0.82 ± 0.012, 95% CI = 0.79–0.84; Phi unknown(T) = 0.65 ± 0.177, 95% CI = 0.29–0.90; Phi unknown(R) = 0.84 ± 0.185, 95% CI = 0.26–0.99). Variation in population demography between the two study areas likely reflects divergent ecological and evolutionary histories shaped by both genetic and environmental factors. Additionally, differences in habitat accessibility, individual distinctiveness, and sampling design may have influenced detectability and model outcomes. These results provide vital baseline demographic data for killer whales in Australian waters and highlight the need for standardized long‐term monitoring to inform conservation management strategies.
Sociality of Marine Mammals and Their Vulnerability to the Spread of Infectious Diseases: A Systematic Review
Caitlin R. Nicholls, Mauricio Cantor, Luciana Möller, Guido J. Parra
Mammal Review, 2026
Introduction Social structure plays a crucial role in shaping the transmission dynamics of infectious diseases within animal populations, yet its influence remains understudied in marine mammals. Aims This review investigates links between marine mammal sociality and disease vulnerability, focusing on social network metrics and their influence on disease transmission. The study aimed to (1) identify patterns in disease transmission, (2) map gaps in current knowledge to inform strategic directions for future investigation and (3) discuss implications for conservation and disease management. Methods Through systematic database searching, 14 studies were identified that investigated social network metrics and their influence on disease transmission in marine mammal social networks. Results Results show that stronger associations and greater social connectivity increase disease prevalence, although this relationship varied across species. Central individuals acted as ‘super‐spreaders’, facilitating disease spread to conspecifics and vaccination efforts targeting these individuals are a recurrent proposed mitigation strategy. At the population level, network fragmentation reduced disease burden, while highly connected subgroups facilitated pathogen transmission. Research is concentrated on few key species, revealing significant gaps in taxonomic and geographic representation. Additionally, studies were geographically biased toward North America and Australia, with limited collaboration across research clusters, highlighting the need for broader representation and interdisciplinary partnerships. Conclusion These findings underscore the need for interdisciplinary approaches integrating epidemiological modelling, social network analysis and conservation strategies to better predict and mitigate disease risks in marine mammal populations. Future research should expand species coverage and incorporate ecological and environmental variables to develop targeted disease management frameworks.
Vulnerability of marine megafauna to global at-sea anthropogenic threats
Michelle VanCompernolle, Juliet Morris, Hannah J. Calich, Jorge P. Rodríguez, Sarah A. Marley, Jessica R. Pearce, Briana Abrahms, Katya Abrantes, André S. Afonso, Alex Aguilar, Andrews Agyekumhene, Tomonari Akamatsu, Susanne Åkesson, Nyimale G. Alawa, Joanna Alfaro‐Shigueto, R. C. Anderson, Tycho Anker‐Nilssen, Javier A. Arata, Gonzalo Araujo, Martin C. Arostegui, Haritz Arrizabalaga, Lucy M. Arrowsmith, Marie Auger‐Méthé, Isabel C. Avila, Fred Bailleul, Joanna Barker, Dawn R. Barlow, Adam Barnett, Hector Barrios‐Garrido, Alastair M. M. Baylis, Giovanni Bearzi, Lars Bejder, Eduardo J. Belda, Scott R. Benson, Michael L. Berumen, Sophie Bestley, Natalia P. A. Bezerra, Antonin V. Blaison, Lars Boehme, Steven J. Bograd, Bolaji Dunsin Abimbola, Mark E. Bond, Asunción Borrell, Phil J. Bouchet, Peter Boveng, Gill Braulik, Camrin D. Braun, Stephanie Brodie, Leandro Bugoni, Carlos Bustamante, Steven E. Campana, Susana Cárdenas‐Alayza, Ruth H. Carmichael, Gemma Carroll, Matt I. D. Carter, Filipe R. Ceia, Salvatore Cerchio, Luciana C. Ferreira, Philippine Chambault, Taylor K. Chapple, Patricia Charvet, Elpis J. Chavez, Damien Chevallier, Andre Chiaradia, B. Louise Chilvers, Megan A. Cimino, Bethany L. Clark, C. R. Clarke, Thomas A. Clay, Carl S. Cloyed, Jesse E. M. Cochran, Tim Collins, Enric Cortes, Eduardo Cuevas, David J. Curnick, Peter Dann, P. J. Nico de Bruyn, Asha de Vos, Solène Derville, Maria P. Dias, Bruno Diaz‐Lopez, Kara L. Dodge, Alistair D. M. Dove, Thomas K. Doyle, J. Marcus Drymon, Christine L. Dudgeon, Peter H. Dutton, Ursula Ellenberg, Simon H. Elwen, Louise Emmerson, Edem A. Eniang, Mario Espinoza, Nicole Esteban, Evert Mul, Brian S. Fadely, Annette L. Fayet, Chris Feare, Steven H. Ferguson, Laura Joan Feyrer, Brittany Finucci, Katie R. N. Florko, Jorge Fontes, C. M. Fortuna, Sabrina Fossette, Leila Fouda, Esteban Frere, Mariana M. P. B. Fuentes, Austin J. Gallagher, Pablo Garcia Borboroglu, Claire Garrigue, Pauline Gauffier, Enrico Gennari, Tilen Genov, Elitza S. Germanov, Joan Giménez, Matthew H. Godfrey, Brendan J. Godley, Simon D. Goldsworthy, Matthew Gollock, Victoria González Carman, Natasha J. Gownaris, W. James Grecian, Hector M. Guzman, Mark Hamann, Neil Hammerschlag, Erpur S. Hansen, Mike P. Harris, Gordon Hastie, Danielle E. Haulsee, Elliott L. Hazen, Mads Peter Heide‐Jørgensen, Elizabeth E. Hieb, Jeff W. Higdon, Mark A. Hindell, Jefferson T. Hinke, Xavier Hoenner, G. J. Greg Hofmeyr, Bonnie J. Holmes, Erich Hoyt, Luis A. Huckstadt, Nigel E. Hussey, Charlie Huveneers, Lyn G. Irvine, Rima W. Jabado, David M. P. Jacoby, Audrey Jaeger, Patrick M. Jagielski, Mark Jessopp, Oliver J. D. Jewell, David Jiménez Alvarado, Lance K. B. Jordan, Salvador J. Jorgensen, Benjamin Kahn, Alexandros A. Karamanlidis, Akiko Kato, Lucy W. Keith‐Diagne, M. S. Kiani, Jeremy J. Kiszka, Alison A. Kock, R. Keller Kopf, Carey Kuhn, Peter M. Kyne, Kristin L. Laidre, Fernanda O. Lana, Michelle E. Lander, Matthieu Le Corre, Olivia A. Lee, Ruth H. Leeney, Alexis L. Levengood, J. Jacob Levenson, Marcela Libertelli, Kwang‐Ming Liu, Milagros Lopez Mendilaharsu, Alexandra Loveridge, Christopher G. Lowe, Heather J. Lynch, Bruno C. L. Macena, Alice I. Mackay, Jeffry Madrigal‐Mesén, Mark L. Mallory, Jeffrey C. Mangel, Katherine L. Mansfield, David March, Marianne Marcoux, Helene Marsh, A. D. Marshall, Thomas Mattern, Sara M. Maxwell, Rebecca L. McGuire, Lachlan McLeay, Clive R. McMahon, Séverine Methion, Eva K. M. Meyers, Candice Michelot, Cara Masere, Gianna Minton, Benjamin Morales‐Vela, Gonzalo Mucientes, Hilario Murua, M. A. C. Nicoll, Yuri Niella, Giuseppe Notarbartolo di Sciara, Steffen Oppel, Florian Orgeret, Julie N. Oswald, Ellie Owen, Nathan Pacoureau, Vitor H. Paiva, Daniel M. Palacios, Simone Panigada, Yannis P. Papastamatiou, Guido J. Parra, Sylvia K. Parsons, Donna L. Patterson‐Fraser, S. Hoyt Peckham, Stephen D. Petersen, Lorien Pichegru, Simon J. Pierce, Tânia Pipa, Enrico Pirotta, Pierre Pistorius, Riley A. Pollom, Rui Prieto, Laura Prosdocimi, Klemens Pütz, Nuno Queiroz, John L. Quinn, Jaime A. Ramos, Holly C. Raudino, Angela Recalde‐Salas, ALan F. Rees, Richard D. Reina, Ryan R. Reisinger, Samantha D. Reynolds, Anthony James Richardson, Nicholas G. Riddoch, Federico G. Riet‐Sapriza, James R. Robbins, David P. Robinson, Airam Rodríguez, Tracey L. Rogers, Christoph A. Rohner, Daniela Rojas‐Cañizales, Kevin Ruhomaun, Chandra Salgado Kent, Katsufumi Sato, Kylie L. Scales, Meike Scheidat, Gail Schofield, Fabrizio Serena, Edy Setyawan, Scott A. Shaffer, Brendan D. Shea, Laura Shearer, Marcus Sheaves, Richard B. Sherley, George L. Shillinger, Takahiro Shimada, Mónica A. Silva, Gregory Skomal, Reyd A. Smith, Amy F. Smoothey, Alen Soldo, Emily J. Southall, Antje Steinfurth, D. Bruce Stewart, Joshua D. Stewart, Akinori Takahashi, Vikash Tatayah, Sam Thalmann, Jean‐Baptiste Thiebot, Jesús Tomás, Leigh G. Torres, P. N. Trathan, Fritz Trillmich, Kazuoki Ueda, Frederic Vandeperre, Ralph Eric Thijl Vanstreels, Marisa Vedor, Stella Villegas‐Amtmann, Lauren J. Waller, Matt Waller, Sarah Wanless, Kelly Waples, Cortney A. Watt, Mia Wege, Caroline R. Weir, Randall S. Wells, Paul J. Wensveen, Timothy D. White, Scott D. Whiting, Øystein Wiig, Natalie E. Wildermann, David N. Wiley, Jessica Lauren Williams, Rosie S. Williams, Kenady Wilson, Matthew J. Witt, Freya C. Womersley, David J. Yurkowski, Jie Zhang, Daniel P. Costa, Carlos M. Duarte, Mark G. Meekan, Rob Harcourt, David W. Sims, Graeme C. Hays, Charitha Pattiaratchi, Víctor M. Eguíluz, Ana M. M. Sequeira
Conservation Biology, 2026
Marine megafauna species are affected by a wide range of anthropogenic threats. To evaluate the risk of such threats, species’ vulnerability to each threat must first be determined. We build on the existing threats classification scheme and ranking system of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species by assessing the vulnerability of 256 marine megafauna species to 23 at‐sea threats. The threats we considered included individual fishing gear types, climate‐change‐related subthreats not previously assessed, and threats associated with coastal impacts and maritime disturbances. Our ratings resulted in 70 species having high vulnerability ( v > 0.778 out of 1) to at least 1 threat, primarily drifting longlines, temperature extremes, or fixed gear. These 3 threats were also considered to have the most severe effects (i.e., steepest population declines). Overall, temperature extremes and plastics and other solid waste were rated as affecting the largest proportion of populations. Penguins, pinnipeds, and polar bears had the highest vulnerability to temperature extremes. Bony fishes had the highest vulnerability to drifting longlines and plastics and other solid waste; pelagic cetaceans to 4 maritime disturbance threats; elasmobranchs to 5 fishing threats; and flying birds to drifting longlines and 2 maritime disturbance threats. Sirenians and turtles had the highest vulnerability to at least one threat from all 4 categories. Despite not necessarily having severe effects for most taxonomic groups, temperature extremes were rated among the top threats for all taxa except bony fishes. The vulnerability scores we provide are an important first step in estimating the risk of threats to marine megafauna. Importantly, they help differentiate scope from severity, which is key to identifying threats that should be prioritized for mitigation.
Drone Infrared Thermography for Detecting Skin Thermal Anomalies in Bottlenose Dolphins: Preliminary Insights
Charlie White, Andrew P. Colefax, Guido J. Parra
Ecology and Evolution, 2026
Monitoring the health of cetaceans is challenging as traditional approaches including vessel‐based surveys and necropsies are often opportunistic and limited in their ability to detect subtle physiological changes. Infrared thermography (IRT) offers a non‐invasive alternative by detecting surface temperature anomalies that may reflect localised physiological variation, including changes associated with inflammation, scarring, tissue disruption or thermoregulatory processes. Mounted on drones, IRT can enable remote thermal imaging of free‐ranging individuals. This case study presented preliminary observations from the exploratory use of drone‐IRT to detect localised thermal anomalies in the skin of bottlenose dolphins ( Tursiops truncatus ) under human care. A total of 14 adult dolphins were monitored across the Austral summer and winter, with two individuals exhibiting consistent thermal hotspots 3°C–5°C warmer than surrounding body surface temperatures. One individual exhibited a transient anomaly that resolved over time, whereas the other displayed persistent hotspots that became more pronounced. These anomalies corresponded with external markings, suggesting localised alterations in skin surface thermal patterns. This case study provided preliminary evidence that drone‐IRT can detect localised thermal anomalies in a dolphin's skin and highlights the potential for drone‐IRT as a non‐invasive tool for monitoring health in both managed and wild dolphin populations. Further quantitative investigations with larger sample sizes and concurrent veterinary assessments may provide validation regarding such observations and to evaluate whether such anomalies are indicative of underlying health issues.
Using drone-based infrared thermography for monitoring vital signs in dolphins
Charlie White, Andrew P. Colefax, Guido J. Parra
Journal of Thermal Biology, 2026
Monitoring wild animal health is essential for assessing environmental threats. Physiological parameters such as body temperature and respiration rate provide critical insights into an animal's condition but collecting these from free-ranging species is challenging. This study validated drone-based infrared thermography (drone-IRT) as a non-invasive method for estimating dolphin vital signs, evaluating its accuracy, reliability, and practical application. Using a multirotor drone with an integrated thermal camera, we obtained thermographic images of 14 common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) under human care. Flights were conducted in Austral summer and winter at heights of 5 m-30 m, with the camera angled at 0° (zenith) and 50° pitch. Dolphins were either swimming freely or beached. From thermal images, we extracted temperatures based on the heat received from the blowhole, body, and dorsal fin, along with respiration rate estimates. Close-range IRT reference temperatures and environmental variables were recorded throughout each flight. Robust linear mixed-effects models assessed the influence of flight and environmental variables on measurement accuracy and precision. Spearman's rank correlation evaluated the relationship between drone-IRT blowhole temperature and rectal temperature. Drone-IRT measurements closely matched close-range IRT reference values. The most reliable temperature estimates occurred at a combined 10 m and a 0° angle (accuracy: -0.19 °C - 0.08 °C, precision: -0.07 °C - 0.08 °C). The most accurate respiration rate estimates were obtained at 10 m while dolphins swam freely. A weak negative correlation was found between blowhole and rectal temperatures (r = -0.19). This study demonstrates that drone-IRT is a reliable, non-invasive method for monitoring dolphins' surface temperature and respiration rates, but not rectal temperature.
Global variation and drivers of shark predation risk experienced by estuarine and coastal dolphins
Jerry Hall Moxley, Jeremy J Kiszka, Krystan A Wilkinson, Guido Jose Parra, Michael R Heithaus
Marine Ecology Progress Series, 2026
Despite often being considered top predators, small delphinids (<3 m) face predation risk from large sharks (>2.5 m total length) in several marine ecosystems around the globe. Yet, estimating relative shark predation pressure and risk to cetacean species and populations, and how they might vary across ecological contexts, has been challenging. Evidence of unsuccessful predation, such as bite wounds, epidermal scarring, and related injuries, has been reported across multiple taxa and locations, providing broad insights into the extent of predation risk to odontocetes in several populations. Here, we synthesize 41 published studies that reported the prevalence of shark-inflicted injuries on 17 cetacean species across 62 locations globally to gain insights into the dynamics and drivers of shark predation on cetaceans. Using a subset of studies on small coastal delphinids, we further assess factors influencing variation in shark-inflicted injuries. Prevalence of injuries caused by sharks was significantly greater in populations from the southern hemisphere. Binomial logistic regression of proportions of individuals with shark-inflicted injuries across 3 coastal dolphin genera ( Tursiops , Orcaella , and Sousa ) suggests a lower prevalence in areas with high fishing pressure, large shark population declines, and other human impacts. Overall, our results suggest that throughout much of their ranges, coastal and estuarine delphinids currently experience lower than expected predation pressure, likely due to fishing pressure and the resulting declines of large sharks. However, conservation efforts focused on restoring shark populations may begin to reverse these trends in countries with strong fisheries management measures. Establishing and investigating baselines in predator-prey interactions among upper trophic level consumers can provide critical insights for understanding marine community dynamics and ecosystem-based management.
Shape variation in the eye patch and dorsal fin of southern hemisphere killer whales (Orcinus orca)
Marissa J. Hutchings, Rebecca Wellard, David M. Donnelly, John A. Totterdell, Guido J. Parra, Luciana Möller
Mammalian Biology, 2025
Morphological variation within and among species plays a critical role in evolutionary processes, influencing adaptation, survival, and reproductive success. Killer whale ( Orcinus orca ) morphology is known to vary on both an individual and population level with several ecotypes or forms documented worldwide. However, the extent of morphological variation among killer whales in Australian waters remains unclear, both among individuals within the region and in comparison to those in other parts of the southern hemisphere. This study assessed eye patch and dorsal fin shape variation in Australian and Antarctic killer whales to explore the evolutionary relationships among these groups. A large dataset of imagery was compiled and processed to achieve this, which provided representative sample sizes for five separate study groups: northwest Australia (NW), southwest Australia (SW), southeast Australia (SE), Antarctic type A (AA) and Antarctic type B1 (AB). Elliptical Fourier analysis was used to extract the feature outlines and enable multivariate data analyses. Principal component analysis and pairwise comparisons revealed significant morphological differences both within and between Australian and Antarctic killer whales. Eye patch shape variation was driven by the degree of taper and overall width whereas dorsal fin shape variation was driven by falcateness and broadness at its base. Hierarchical cluster analysis revealed considerable variation amongst these features, while linear discriminate analysis indicated that individuals could not be reliably classified into their respective study groups based on eye patch and dorsal fin shape alone. Nonetheless, these findings suggest the presence of both a tropical and temperate form of killer whale in Australia, with the latter resembling both the Antarctic Type A and B2s morphologically. To better understand their connectivity and divergence, dedicated research is needed to assess the evolutionary history of these populations. Such knowledge will be vital in defining global conservation management units for killer whales which are still considered a single, data deficient species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Decadal Shifts in Southern Right Whale (Eubalaena australis) Recovery in South Australian Waters: Implications for Conservation and Management
Bridgette O’Shannessy, Luciana Möller, Robert D. McCauley, Guido J. Parra, Joshua N. Smith, Stephen Burnell, Claire M. Charlton
Marine Mammal Science, 2025
Association Patterns of Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) in Waters off the North West Cape, Western Australia
Chloe M. Edwards, Jonathan Syme, Guido J. Parra
Marine Mammal Science, 2025
Ranging patterns and mortality of an at-risk marine mammal resident in a highly urbanized estuary
Michelle Newman, Mike Bossley, Ryan Baring, Luciana Möller, Aude Steiner, Guido J. Parra
Animal Behaviour, 2025
Species Distribution Modeling of Killer Whales (Orcinus orca) in Australian Waters
Marissa J. Hutchings, Guido J. Parra, John A. Totterdell, Rebecca Wellard, David M. Donnelly, Jonathan Sandoval‐Castillo, Luciana Möller
Ecology and Evolution, 2025
Movements and burrow use of newly emerged juvenile and adult female platypuses
Max Boulton, Jessica Thomas, Gilad Bino, Jessica Clayton, Guido J. Parra, Ryan Baring
Australian Mammalogy, 2025
Behavioural Processes Underlying the Habitat Selection of Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) in the Ningaloo Marine Park and Exmouth Gulf, at the North West Cape, Western Australia
R. Haughey, T. N. Hunt, D. Hanf, C. Passadore, R. Baring, G. J. Parra
Aquatic Conservation Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems, 2025
Long-Term Demographic Trends of Near Threatened Coastal Dolphins Living in an Urban Estuary
Kennadie Haigh, Guido J. Parra, Luciana Möller, Aude Steiner, Mike Bossley
Ecology and Evolution, 2025
Behavioural variation facilitates coexistence and explains the functions of mixed-species groups of sympatric delphinids
Jonathan Syme, Jeremy J. Kiszka, Guido J. Parra
Animal Behaviour, 2024
Indo-Pacific and Australian humpback dolphins Sousa chinensis (Osbeck, 1765) and S. sahulensis Jefferson and Rosenbaum, 2014
Guido J. Parra, Thomas A. Jefferson
Coastal Dolphins and Porpoises Ridgway and Harrison S Handbook of Marine Mammals Volume 1, 2024
Nesting habitat characteristics of flatback Natator depressus, green Chelonia mydas and loggerhead Caretta caretta turtles in eastern Queensland, Australia
L Heddle, KJ Peters, M Hamann, GJ Parra
Endangered Species Research, 2024
Habitat partitioning, co-occurrence patterns, and mixed-species group formation in sympatric delphinids
Jonathan Syme, Jeremy J. Kiszka, Guido J. Parra
Scientific Reports, 2023
Australian humpback dolphin: Sousa sahulensis
Strahan S Mammals of Australia, 2023
Australian snubfin dolphin: Orcaella heinsohni
Strahan S Mammals of Australia, 2023
Incidence of shark-inflicted bite injuries on Australian snubfin (Orcaella heinsohni) and Australian humpback (Sousa sahulensis) dolphins in coastal waters off east Queensland, Australia
Caitlin R. Nicholls, Katharina J. Peters, Daniele Cagnazzi, Daniella Hanf, Guido J. Parra
Ecology and Evolution, 2023
Multiple social benefits drive the formation of mixed-species groups of Australian humpback and Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins
Jonathan Syme, Jeremy J. Kiszka, Guido J. Parra
Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology, 2023
Coastal dolphins and marine megafauna in Exmouth Gulf, Western Australia: informing conservation management actions in an area under increasing human pressure
Kate R. Sprogis, Guido J. Parra
Wildlife Research, 2023
Seascape genomics of common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) reveals adaptive diversity linked to regional and local oceanography
Andrea Barceló, Jonathan Sandoval-Castillo, Chris J. Brauer, Kerstin Bilgmann, Guido J. Parra, Luciano B. Beheregaray, Luciana M. Möller
BMC Ecology and Evolution, 2022
How to define a dolphin “group”? Need for consistency and justification based on objective criteria
Jonathan Syme, Jeremy J. Kiszka, Guido J. Parra
Ecology and Evolution, 2022
Dredging activity in a highly urbanised estuary did not affect the long-term occurrence of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins and long-nosed fur seals
Mike I. Bossley, Aude Steiner, Guido J. Parra, Frédérik Saltré, Katharina J. Peters
Marine Pollution Bulletin, 2022
Too Close for Comfort? Isotopic Niche Segregation in New Zealand’s Odontocetes
Katharina J. Peters, Sarah J. Bury, Bethany Hinton, Emma L. Betty, Déborah Casano-Bally, Guido J. Parra, Karen A. Stockin
Biology, 2022
Corrigendum: Abundance and Potential Biological Removal of Common Dolphins Subject to Fishery-Impacts in South Australian Waters(Front. Mar. Sci., (2021), 8, (617075), 10.3389/fmars.2021.617075
Guido J. Parra, Kerstin Bilgmann, Katharina J. Peters, Luciana M. Möller
Frontiers in Marine Science, 2022
Isotopic niche overlap between sympatric Australian snubfin and humpback dolphins
Guido J. Parra, Zachary Wojtkowiak, Katharina J. Peters, Daniele Cagnazzi
Ecology and Evolution, 2022
Abundance and Potential Biological Removal of Common Dolphins Subject to Fishery Impacts in South Australian Waters
Guido J. Parra, Kerstin Bilgmann, Katharina J. Peters, Luciana M. Möller
Frontiers in Marine Science, 2021
Distribution and Habitat Preferences of Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) Inhabiting Coastal Waters With Mixed Levels of Protection
Rebecca Haughey, Timothy N. Hunt, Daniella Hanf, Cecilia Passadore, Ryan Baring, Guido J. Parra
Frontiers in Marine Science, 2021
Dynamics of Cetacean Mixed-Species Groups: A Review and Conceptual Framework for Assessing Their Functional Significance
Jonathan Syme, Jeremy J. Kiszka, Guido J. Parra
Frontiers in Marine Science, 2021
A Matter of Scale: Population Genomic Structure and Connectivity of Fisheries At-Risk Common Dolphins (Delphinus delphis) From Australasia
Andrea Barceló, Jonathan Sandoval-Castillo, Karen A. Stockin, Kerstin Bilgmann, Catherine R. M. Attard, Nikki Zanardo, Guido J. Parra, Krista Hupman, Isabella M. Reeves, Emma L. Betty, Gabriela Tezanos-Pinto, Luciano B. Beheregaray, Luciana M. Möller
Frontiers in Marine Science, 2021
Kinship and reproductive condition correlate with affiliation patterns in female southern Australian bottlenose dolphins
Fernando Diaz-Aguirre, Guido J. Parra, Cecilia Passadore, Luciana Möller
Scientific Reports, 2020
Identifying priority habitat for conservation and management of Australian humpback dolphins within a marine protected area
Tim N. Hunt, Simon J. Allen, Lars Bejder, Guido J. Parra
Scientific Reports, 2020
Vulnerability of threatened Australian humpback dolphins to flooding and port development within the southern Great Barrier Reef coastal region
Daniele Cagnazzi, Guido J. Parra, Peter L. Harrison, Lyndon Brooks, Robert Rankin
Global Ecology and Conservation, 2020
Foraging ecology of the common dolphin Delphinus delphis revealed by stable isotope analysis
KJ Peters, SJ Bury, EL Betty, GJ Parra, G Tezanos-Pinto, KA Stockin
Marine Ecology Progress Series, 2020
Genomics of Population Differentiation in Humpback Dolphins, Sousa spp. In the Indo-Pacific Ocean
Ana R Amaral, Cátia Chanfana, Brian D Smith, Rubaiyat Mansur, Tim Collins, Robert Baldwin, Gianna Minton, Guido J Parra, Michael Krützen, Thomas A Jefferson, Leszek Karczmarski, Almeida Guissamulo, Robert L Brownell, Howard C Rosenbaum
Journal of Heredity, 2020
Erratum: Satellite derived offshore migratory movements of southern right whales (Eubalaena australis) from Australian and New Zealand wintering grounds (PLoS ONE (2020) 15:5 (e0231577) DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0231577)
Alice I. Mackay, Frédéric Bailleul, Emma L. Carroll, Virginia Andrews-Goff, C. Scott Baker, John Bannister, Laura Boren, Kris Carlyon, David M. Donnelly, Michael Double, Simon D. Goldsworthy, Robert Harcourt, Dirk Holman, Andrew Lowther, Guido J. Parra, Simon J. Childerhouse
Plos One, 2020
Satellite derived offshore migratory movements of southern right whales (Eubalaena australis) from Australian and New Zealand wintering grounds
Alice I. Mackay, Frédéric Bailleul, Emma L. Carroll, Virginia Andrews-Goff, C. Scott Baker, John Bannister, Laura Boren, Krisa Carlyon, David M. Donnelly, Michael Double, Simon D. Goldsworthy, Robert Harcourt, Dirk Holman, Andrew Lowther, Guido J. Parra, Simon J. Childerhouse
Plos One, 2020
Geographic and temporal variation in persistent pollutants in Australian humpback and snubfin dolphins
Daniele Cagnazzi, Peter L. Harrison, Guido J. Parra, Amanda Reichelt-Brushett, Letizia Marsili
Ecological Indicators, 2020
Photographic Capture-Recapture Analysis Reveals a Large Population of Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) With Low Site Fidelity off the North West Cape, Western Australia
Rebecca Haughey, Tim Hunt, Daniella Hanf, Robert William Rankin, Guido J. Parra
Frontiers in Marine Science, 2020
Abundance estimates and habitat preferences of bottlenose dolphins reveal the importance of two gulfs in South Australia
Kerstin Bilgmann, Guido J. Parra, Lauren Holmes, Katharina J. Peters, Ian D. Jonsen, Luciana M. Möller
Scientific Reports, 2019
Genetic relatedness delineates the social structure of southern Australian bottlenose dolphins
Fernando Diaz-Aguirre, Guido J Parra, Cecilia Passadore, Luciana Möller
Behavioral Ecology, 2019
Assortative interactions revealed in a fission–fusion society of Australian humpback dolphins
Tim N Hunt, Simon J Allen, Lars Bejder, Guido J Parra
Behavioral Ecology, 2019
Modelling Dolphin Distribution to Inform Future Spatial Conservation Decisions in a Marine Protected Area
Cecilia Passadore, Luciana M. Möller, Fernando Diaz-Aguirre, Guido J. Parra
Scientific Reports, 2018
Kinship influences social bonds among male southern Australian bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops cf. australis)
Fernando Diaz-Aguirre, Guido J. Parra, Cecilia Passadore, Luciana Möller
Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology, 2018
Occurrence, distribution and abundance of cetaceans off the western Eyre Peninsula in the Great Australian Bight
Kerstin Bilgmann, Guido J. Parra, Luciana M. Möller
Deep Sea Research Part II Topical Studies in Oceanography, 2018
Long-term trends in habitat use and site fidelity by Australian humpback dolphins Sousa sahulensis in a near-urban embayment
JJ Meager, ER Hawkins, I Ansmann, GJ Parra
Marine Ecology Progress Series, 2018
Social cohesion and intra-population community structure in southern Australian bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops sp.)
Nikki Zanardo, Guido J. Parra, Fernando Diaz-Aguirre, Eleanor A. L. Pratt, Luciana M. Möller
Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology, 2018
Low genetic diversity, limited gene flow and widespread genetic bottleneck effects in a threatened dolphin species, the Australian humpback dolphin
Guido J. Parra, Daniele Cagnazzi, Maria Jedensjö, Corinne Ackermann, Celine Frere, Jennifer Seddon, Natacha Nikolic, Michael Krützen
Biological Conservation, 2018
High site fidelity and restricted ranging patterns in southern Australian bottlenose dolphins
Cecilia Passadore, Luciana Möller, Fernando Diaz‐Aguirre, Guido J. Parra
Ecology and Evolution, 2018
Demographic collapse and low genetic diversity of the Irrawaddy dolphin population inhabiting the Mekong River
Michael Krützen, Isabel Beasley, Corinne Y. Ackermann, Dietmar Lieckfeldt, Arne Ludwig, Gerard E. Ryan, Lars Bejder, Guido J. Parra, Rebekka Wolfensberger, Peter B. S. Spencer
Plos One, 2018
Demography of southern Australian bottlenose dolphins living in a protected inverse estuary
Cecilia Passadore, Luciana Möller, Fernando Diaz‐Aguirre, Guido J. Parra
Aquatic Conservation Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems, 2017
Anthropogenic threat assessment of marine-associated fauna in Spencer Gulf, South Australia
William D. Robbins, Charlie Huveneers, Guido J. Parra, Luciana Möller, Bronwyn M. Gillanders
Marine Policy, 2017
Ensemble modelling of southern Australian bottlenose dolphin Tursiops sp. distribution reveals important habitats and their potential ecological function
N Zanardo, GJ Parra, C Passadore, LM Möller
Marine Ecology Progress Series, 2017
Humpback Dolphins: Sousa teuszii, S. plumbea, S. chinensis and S. sahulensis
Guido J. Parra, Thomas A. Jefferson
Encyclopedia of Marine Mammals Third Edition, 2017
Demographic characteristics of australian humpback dolphins reveal important habitat toward the southwestern limit of their range
TN Hunt, L Bejder, SJ Allen, RW Rankin, D Hanf, GJ Parra
Endangered Species Research, 2017
Site fidelity, residency, and abundance of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops sp.) in Adelaide's coastal waters, South Australia
Nikki Zanardo, Guido J. Parra, Luciana M. Möller
Marine Mammal Science, 2016
Net loss of endangered humpback dolphins: Integrating residency, site fidelity, and bycatch in shark nets
S Atkins, M Cantor, N Pillay, G Cliff, M Keith, GJ Parra
Marine Ecology Progress Series, 2016
Socio-genetic structure of short-beaked common dolphins in southern Australia
N. Zanardo, K. Bilgmann, G. J. Parra, L. M. Möller
Journal of Zoology, 2016
Conservation status of the Australian humpback dolphin (Sousa sahulensis) using the IUCN Red List Criteria
Guido J. Parra, Daniele Cagnazzi
Advances in Marine Biology, 2016
Humpback dolphins of Western Australia: A review of current knowledge and recommendations for future management
Daniella M. Hanf, Tim Hunt, Guido J. Parra
Advances in Marine Biology, 2016
Sexual dimorphism and geographic variation in dorsal fin features of Australian humpback dolphins, Sousa sahulensis
Alexander M. Brown, Lars Bejder, Guido J. Parra, Daniele Cagnazzi, Tim Hunt, Jennifer L. Smith, Simon J. Allen
Advances in Marine Biology, 2016
Habitat and resource partitioning among Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins in Moreton Bay, Australia
Ina C. Ansmann, Janet M. Lanyon, Jennifer M. Seddon, Guido J. Parra
Marine Mammal Science, 2015
Erratum: Estimates of abundance and apparent survival of coastal dolphins in Port Essington harbour, Northern Territory, Australia (Wildlife Research (2014) 41:1 (35-45) DOI: 10.1071/WR14031)
Wildlife Research, 2015
Local assessments of marine mammals in cross-cultural environments
li-Anthawirriyarra Sea Rangers, A. Grech, Yanyuwa Families, G. J. Parra, I. Beasley, J. Bradley, S. Johnson, S. Whiting, H. Marsh
Biodiversity and Conservation, 2014
Population differentiation and hybridisation of Australian snubfin (Orcaella heinsohni) and Indo-Pacific humpback (Sousa chinensis) dolphins in North-Western Australia
Alexander M. Brown, Anna M. Kopps, Simon J. Allen, Lars Bejder, Bethan Littleford-Colquhoun, Guido J. Parra, Daniele Cagnazzi, Deborah Thiele, Carol Palmer, Celine H. Frère
Plos One, 2014
Multiple management units of short-beaked common dolphins subject to fisheries bycatch off southern and southeastern Australia
K Bilgmann, GJ Parra, N Zanardo, LB Beheregaray, LM Möller
Marine Ecology Progress Series, 2014
Stomach contents of Australian snubfin (Orcaella heinsohni) and Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis)
Guido J. Parra, Maria Jedensjö
Marine Mammal Science, 2014
Collation and review of sightings and distribution of three coastal dolphin species in waters of the Northern Territory, Australia
Carol Palmer, Guido J Parra, Tracey Rogers, John Woinarski
Pacific Conservation Biology, 2014
Estimates of abundance and apparent survival of coastal dolphins in Port Essington harbour, Northern Territory, Australia
Carol Palmer, Lyndon Brooks, Guido J. Parra, Tracey Rogers, Debra Glasgow, John C. Z. Woinarski
Wildlife Research, 2014
Discriminating between the vocalizations of Indo-Pacific humpback and Australian snubfin dolphins in Queensland, Australia
Alvaro Berg Soto, Helene Marsh, Yvette Everingham, Joshua N. Smith, Guido J. Parra, Michael Noad
Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, 2014
Integrating multiple lines of evidence to better understand the evolutionary divergence of humpback dolphins along their entire distribution range: A new dolphin species in Australian waters?
Martin Mendez, Thomas A. Jefferson, Sergios‐Orestis Kolokotronis, Michael Krützen, Guido J. Parra, Tim Collins, Giana Minton, Robert Baldwin, Per Berggren, Anna Särnblad, Omar A. Amir, Vic M. Peddemors, Leszek Karczmarski, Almeida Guissamulo, Brian Smith, Dipani Sutaria, George Amato, Howard C. Rosenbaum
Molecular Ecology, 2013
First insights into the effects of swim-with-dolphin tourism on the behavior, response, and group structure of southern Australian bottlenose dolphins
Katharina J. Peters, Guido J. Parra, Pawel P. Skuza, Luciana M. Möller
Marine Mammal Science, 2013
Monitoring Dolphins in an Urban Marine System: Total and Effective Population Size Estimates of Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins in Moreton Bay, Australia
Ina C. Ansmann, Janet M. Lanyon, Jennifer M. Seddon, Guido J. Parra
Plos One, 2013
At the Heart of the Industrial Boom: Australian Snubfin Dolphins in the Capricorn Coast, Queensland, Need Urgent Conservation Action
Daniele Cagnazzi, Guido J. Parra, Shane Westley, Peter L. Harrison
Plos One, 2013
Acoustic alarms elicit only subtle responses in the behaviour of tropical coastal dolphins in Queensland, Australia
A Berg Soto, D Cagnazzi, Y Everingham, GJ Parra, M Noad, H Marsh
Endangered Species Research, 2013
Anthropogenic contaminants in Indo-Pacific humpback and Australian snubfin dolphins from the central and southern Great Barrier Reef
Daniele Cagnazzi, Maria Cristina Fossi, Guido J. Parra, Peter L. Harrison, Silvia Maltese, Daniele Coppola, Alice Soccodato, Michael Bent, Letizia Marsili
Environmental Pollution, 2013
Dolphins restructure social system after reduction of commercial fisheries
Ina C. Ansmann, Guido J. Parra, B. Louise Chilvers, Janet M. Lanyon
Animal Behaviour, 2012
Fine-scale genetic population structure in a mobile marine mammal: Inshore bottlenose dolphins in Moreton Bay, Australia
Ina C. Ansmann, Guido J. Parra, Janet M. Lanyon, Jennifer M. Seddon
Molecular Ecology, 2012
Sociogenetic structure, kin associations and bonding in delphinids
LUCIANA M. MÖLLER
Molecular Ecology, 2012
The North West Cape, Western Australia: A potential hotspot for indo-pacific humpback dolphins Sousa chinensis?
Alex Brown, Lars Bejder, Daniele Cagnazzi, Guido J Parra, Simon J Allen
Pacific Conservation Biology, 2012
Grouping and fission-fusion dynamics in Australian snubfin and Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins
Guido J. Parra, Peter J. Corkeron, Peter Arnold
Animal Behaviour, 2011
Multiple lines of evidence for an Australasian geographic boundary in the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin (Sousa chinensis): Population or species divergence?
C. H. Frère, J. Seddon, C. Palmer, L. Porter, G. J. Parra
Conservation Genetics, 2011
Analysis of mitochondrial DNA clarifies the taxonomy and distribution of the Australian snubfin dolphin (Orcaella heinsohni) in northern Australian waters
Carol Palmer, Stephen A. Murphy, Deborah Thiele, Guido J. Parra, Kelly M. Robertson, Isabel Beasley, Chris M. Austin
Marine and Freshwater Research, 2011
Mitogenomic phylogenetic analyses of the Delphinidae with an emphasis on the Globicephalinae
Julia T Vilstrup, Simon YW Ho, Andrew D Foote, Phillip A Morin, Danielle Kreb, Michael Krützen, Guido J Parra, Kelly M Robertson, Renaud de Stephanis, Philippe Verborgh, Eske Willerslev, Ludovic Orlando, M Thomas P Gilbert
BMC Evolutionary Biology, 2011
Humpback dolphins: S. chinensis and s. teuszii
Guido J. Parra, Graham J.B. Ross
Encyclopedia of Marine Mammals, 2009
Observations of an Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin carrying a sponge: Object play or tool use?
Guido J. Parra
Mammalia, 2007
Resource partitioning in sympatric delphinids: Space use and habitat preferences of Australian snubfin and Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins
GUIDO J. PARRA
Journal of Animal Ecology, 2006
Population sizes, site fidelity and residence patterns of Australian snubfin and Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins: Implications for conservation
Guido J. Parra, Peter J. Corkeron, Helene Marsh
Biological Conservation, 2006
Distribution of Irrawaddy dolphins, Orcaella brevirostris, in Australian waters
Raffles Bulletin of Zoology, 2002
Sounds produced by Australian Irrawaddy dolphins, Orcaella brevirostris
Sofie M. Van Parijs, Guido J. Parra, Peter J. Corkeron
Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, 2000

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