Papers by Maria do Socorro Reis
Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom
Suckerfish attached to dolphin species have been extensively reported worldwide, yet such associa... more Suckerfish attached to dolphin species have been extensively reported worldwide, yet such association has been rarely seen in the tropical and shallow waters of South America. In Brazil, the Guiana dolphin Sotalia guianensis is distributed along almost the entire extent of the coast and only one case of association with suckerfish has been published. Here we report on a sharksucker Echeneis naucrates associated with a young Guiana dolphin on the north-eastern coast of Brazil. The juvenile dolphin with an attached sharksucker was observed on two occasions separated by a 47-day period; we hypothesize the occurrence of host attachment fidelity. The present report adds information to better discuss the ecological interactions between echeneids and dolphins, and expands the baseline information on cetacean species serving as host to suckerfish.
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Bulletin of Marine Science -Miami-
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Biota Neotropica, 2012
Stranded cetaceans have scientific value and may confirm the occurrence of some species or indica... more Stranded cetaceans have scientific value and may confirm the occurrence of some species or indicate their geographical distribution in an area. The collection of biological material can also contribute to improve the knowledge of the species or populations inhabiting certain areas. This study aimed to record live or dead cetaceans found ashore along the coast of Ilhéus, Bahia State, northeastern Brazil. Data were collected through a campaign called "SOS strandings, whales, porpoises and dolphins." Between 1997 and 1999 three hundred posters and five hundred folders were distributed to beach huts, shops, fishing associations and settlements, the city's municipal government, the Brazilian Environmental Agency (IBAMA) and fire stations. During this campaign, which lasted until 2007 it was possible to record 38 cetaceans of ten species on the coast of Ilhéus: Physeter macrocephalus, Megaptera novaeangliae, Globicephala macrorhynchus, Orcinus orca, Peponocephala electra, St...
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Herpetology Notes
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Aquatic Mammals, 2005
Abstract The estuarine dolphin, Sotalia fluviatilis, is one of the least known delphinids distrib... more Abstract The estuarine dolphin, Sotalia fluviatilis, is one of the least known delphinids distributed on the Brazilian coast, and it is considered to be insufficiently known by the World Conservation Union (IUCN, 2000) and the Action Plan for Aquatic Mammals of Brazil (IBAMA, 2001). On ...
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Oecologia Australis
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Oecologia Australis
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Marine Biodiversity Records, 2016
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Background: Because of their usually cryptic behaviour, most knowledge on the biology of beaked w... more Background: Because of their usually cryptic behaviour, most knowledge on the biology of beaked whales are from records of stranded animals. Although the Cuvier's beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris) is the best known species of the ziphiidae family, little information on its reproduction is available. Results: Here we report on the stranding of a dead pregnant female with clear signs of anthropogenic impact, including the presence of a fishing artefact in the stomach. Conclusions: The region of the stranding (northeastern coast of Brazil) is an area of increasing interest for oil and gas exploitation. Conservation concerns may arise from findings such as the one presented and discussed here.
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Here
we report on a green sea turtle carcass stranded in
August 2011 at Dependência beach, Una mu... more Here
we report on a green sea turtle carcass stranded in
August 2011 at Dependência beach, Una municipality,
southern Bahia state, Brazil. The animal was a female
with 56.2 cm curved carapace length (CCL) and 52.0
cm curved carapace width (CCW), and the carcass
was in good condition. External observations revealed
emaciation, several papilloma-like lesions, presence
of epibionts attached to the carapace, and absence of
the left hind flipper with no scars or other mutilation
signs at the corresponding body region and skin.
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The family Cyamidae comprises 28 species of parasitic crustaceans, all of which
live exclusively ... more The family Cyamidae comprises 28 species of parasitic crustaceans, all of which
live exclusively on the skin of cetaceans. On 17 October 2000, a dead male of the shortfinned
pilot whale, Globicephala macrorhynchus Gray, 1846, was found stranded in
coastal waters of the municipality of Ilhéus, Bahia, Brazil. Two cyamid species were
found attached to the pilot whale’s epidermis. These whale-lice were collected and
identified as Isocyamus delphinii Guérin-Méneville, 1836, and a new species of Syncyamus.
This is the first record of these cyamid genera from the South American coast,
and Syncyamus is recorded for the first time from a pilot whale. This record represents
the third report of coexistence between Isocyamus and Syncyamus. This new species is
erected on the basis of its external morphology and named Syncyamus ilheusensis. A
list of new and previously published records of the genus Syncyamus is also presented.
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Stranded cetaceans have scientific value and may confirm the occurrence of some species or indica... more Stranded cetaceans have scientific value and may confirm the occurrence of some species or indicate
their geographical distribution in an area. The collection of biological material can also contribute to improve the
knowledge of the species or populations inhabiting certain areas. This study aimed to record live or dead cetaceans
found ashore along the coast of Ilhéus, Bahia State, northeastern Brazil. Data were collected through a campaign
called “SOS strandings, whales, porpoises and dolphins.” Between 1997 and 1999 three hundred posters and five
hundred folders were distributed to beach huts, shops, fishing associations and settlements, the city’s municipal
government, the Brazilian Environmental Agency (IBAMA) and fire stations. During this campaign, which lasted
until 2007 it was possible to record 38 cetaceans of ten species on the coast of Ilhéus: Physeter macrocephalus,
Megaptera novaeangliae, Globicephala macrorhynchus, Orcinus orca, Peponocephala electra, Stenella clymene,
Feresa attenuata, Ziphius cavirostris, Steno bredanensis and Sotalia guianensis. The greatest numbers of records
were observed between 2000 and 2003, which was the period after the distribution of banners and posters. The
majority of the carcasses were recovered near the city downtown area (<10 km) and there was not a relationship
between the state of the carcasses and the distance from that area.
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Site fidelity is the tendency of individuals to return to the same area repeatedly or to remain i... more Site fidelity is the tendency of individuals to return to the same area repeatedly or to remain in a
certain area for an extended period of time. Site fidelity has been documented in a number of species,
including Sotalia guianensis. The aim of this study was to describe and estimate the range size of S. guianensis
individuals and to determine its site fidelity. The study was conducted in the estuary of the Paraguaçu River
and adjacent areas in the state of Bahia, northeastern Brazil. Field surveys were conducted during September
and October 2005, August and October to December 2006, and July and August 2007, using a powerboat.
Groups/individuals were approached cautiously to allow photographing the dorsal fin and position was
recorded with GPS. Nicks and notches on the dorsal fin were used for individual identification. A total of 30
field surveys were conducted and 30 individuals were identified. A total of 135 groups were recorded,
ranging in size from one to 55 individuals (median = 7, mean = 9.07 ± 6.12). The inclusion of new individuals
ranged from zero (no record of new animals) to six; twenty-eight individuals have been identified with 50%
of the field surveys performed. The study revealed evidence of site fidelity and it may be observed that the
individuals had been using the estuary for five or six years. The spatial distribution of the groups in the study
area was not homogeneous. A total of 60.39% of the sightings occurred in areas with depths of 20 to 30 m
(p<0.05), 45.88% occurred over gravel substrate and 44.41% occurred over silty clay substrate (p<0.01). The
smallest individual range was 0.97 km2 and the largest stretched out on 8.76 km2; individuals’ ranges
overlapped by approximately 0.50 km2 (mean = 4.88, SD – 2.44). However, animals with overlapping areas
were seen together more than once in these sites. Considering the frequency of sightings for S. guianensis in
the estuary of the Paraguaçu River, it seems that this population shows site fidelity. Moreover, the presence
of some individuals in the area for at least six years indicates long-term site fidelity. The use of a small area
and site fidelity draws one’s attention to the vulnerability of the Guiana dolphin and possible alterations that
may occur in the habitat.
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Papers by Maria do Socorro Reis
we report on a green sea turtle carcass stranded in
August 2011 at Dependência beach, Una municipality,
southern Bahia state, Brazil. The animal was a female
with 56.2 cm curved carapace length (CCL) and 52.0
cm curved carapace width (CCW), and the carcass
was in good condition. External observations revealed
emaciation, several papilloma-like lesions, presence
of epibionts attached to the carapace, and absence of
the left hind flipper with no scars or other mutilation
signs at the corresponding body region and skin.
live exclusively on the skin of cetaceans. On 17 October 2000, a dead male of the shortfinned
pilot whale, Globicephala macrorhynchus Gray, 1846, was found stranded in
coastal waters of the municipality of Ilhéus, Bahia, Brazil. Two cyamid species were
found attached to the pilot whale’s epidermis. These whale-lice were collected and
identified as Isocyamus delphinii Guérin-Méneville, 1836, and a new species of Syncyamus.
This is the first record of these cyamid genera from the South American coast,
and Syncyamus is recorded for the first time from a pilot whale. This record represents
the third report of coexistence between Isocyamus and Syncyamus. This new species is
erected on the basis of its external morphology and named Syncyamus ilheusensis. A
list of new and previously published records of the genus Syncyamus is also presented.
their geographical distribution in an area. The collection of biological material can also contribute to improve the
knowledge of the species or populations inhabiting certain areas. This study aimed to record live or dead cetaceans
found ashore along the coast of Ilhéus, Bahia State, northeastern Brazil. Data were collected through a campaign
called “SOS strandings, whales, porpoises and dolphins.” Between 1997 and 1999 three hundred posters and five
hundred folders were distributed to beach huts, shops, fishing associations and settlements, the city’s municipal
government, the Brazilian Environmental Agency (IBAMA) and fire stations. During this campaign, which lasted
until 2007 it was possible to record 38 cetaceans of ten species on the coast of Ilhéus: Physeter macrocephalus,
Megaptera novaeangliae, Globicephala macrorhynchus, Orcinus orca, Peponocephala electra, Stenella clymene,
Feresa attenuata, Ziphius cavirostris, Steno bredanensis and Sotalia guianensis. The greatest numbers of records
were observed between 2000 and 2003, which was the period after the distribution of banners and posters. The
majority of the carcasses were recovered near the city downtown area (<10 km) and there was not a relationship
between the state of the carcasses and the distance from that area.
certain area for an extended period of time. Site fidelity has been documented in a number of species,
including Sotalia guianensis. The aim of this study was to describe and estimate the range size of S. guianensis
individuals and to determine its site fidelity. The study was conducted in the estuary of the Paraguaçu River
and adjacent areas in the state of Bahia, northeastern Brazil. Field surveys were conducted during September
and October 2005, August and October to December 2006, and July and August 2007, using a powerboat.
Groups/individuals were approached cautiously to allow photographing the dorsal fin and position was
recorded with GPS. Nicks and notches on the dorsal fin were used for individual identification. A total of 30
field surveys were conducted and 30 individuals were identified. A total of 135 groups were recorded,
ranging in size from one to 55 individuals (median = 7, mean = 9.07 ± 6.12). The inclusion of new individuals
ranged from zero (no record of new animals) to six; twenty-eight individuals have been identified with 50%
of the field surveys performed. The study revealed evidence of site fidelity and it may be observed that the
individuals had been using the estuary for five or six years. The spatial distribution of the groups in the study
area was not homogeneous. A total of 60.39% of the sightings occurred in areas with depths of 20 to 30 m
(p<0.05), 45.88% occurred over gravel substrate and 44.41% occurred over silty clay substrate (p<0.01). The
smallest individual range was 0.97 km2 and the largest stretched out on 8.76 km2; individuals’ ranges
overlapped by approximately 0.50 km2 (mean = 4.88, SD – 2.44). However, animals with overlapping areas
were seen together more than once in these sites. Considering the frequency of sightings for S. guianensis in
the estuary of the Paraguaçu River, it seems that this population shows site fidelity. Moreover, the presence
of some individuals in the area for at least six years indicates long-term site fidelity. The use of a small area
and site fidelity draws one’s attention to the vulnerability of the Guiana dolphin and possible alterations that
may occur in the habitat.
we report on a green sea turtle carcass stranded in
August 2011 at Dependência beach, Una municipality,
southern Bahia state, Brazil. The animal was a female
with 56.2 cm curved carapace length (CCL) and 52.0
cm curved carapace width (CCW), and the carcass
was in good condition. External observations revealed
emaciation, several papilloma-like lesions, presence
of epibionts attached to the carapace, and absence of
the left hind flipper with no scars or other mutilation
signs at the corresponding body region and skin.
live exclusively on the skin of cetaceans. On 17 October 2000, a dead male of the shortfinned
pilot whale, Globicephala macrorhynchus Gray, 1846, was found stranded in
coastal waters of the municipality of Ilhéus, Bahia, Brazil. Two cyamid species were
found attached to the pilot whale’s epidermis. These whale-lice were collected and
identified as Isocyamus delphinii Guérin-Méneville, 1836, and a new species of Syncyamus.
This is the first record of these cyamid genera from the South American coast,
and Syncyamus is recorded for the first time from a pilot whale. This record represents
the third report of coexistence between Isocyamus and Syncyamus. This new species is
erected on the basis of its external morphology and named Syncyamus ilheusensis. A
list of new and previously published records of the genus Syncyamus is also presented.
their geographical distribution in an area. The collection of biological material can also contribute to improve the
knowledge of the species or populations inhabiting certain areas. This study aimed to record live or dead cetaceans
found ashore along the coast of Ilhéus, Bahia State, northeastern Brazil. Data were collected through a campaign
called “SOS strandings, whales, porpoises and dolphins.” Between 1997 and 1999 three hundred posters and five
hundred folders were distributed to beach huts, shops, fishing associations and settlements, the city’s municipal
government, the Brazilian Environmental Agency (IBAMA) and fire stations. During this campaign, which lasted
until 2007 it was possible to record 38 cetaceans of ten species on the coast of Ilhéus: Physeter macrocephalus,
Megaptera novaeangliae, Globicephala macrorhynchus, Orcinus orca, Peponocephala electra, Stenella clymene,
Feresa attenuata, Ziphius cavirostris, Steno bredanensis and Sotalia guianensis. The greatest numbers of records
were observed between 2000 and 2003, which was the period after the distribution of banners and posters. The
majority of the carcasses were recovered near the city downtown area (<10 km) and there was not a relationship
between the state of the carcasses and the distance from that area.
certain area for an extended period of time. Site fidelity has been documented in a number of species,
including Sotalia guianensis. The aim of this study was to describe and estimate the range size of S. guianensis
individuals and to determine its site fidelity. The study was conducted in the estuary of the Paraguaçu River
and adjacent areas in the state of Bahia, northeastern Brazil. Field surveys were conducted during September
and October 2005, August and October to December 2006, and July and August 2007, using a powerboat.
Groups/individuals were approached cautiously to allow photographing the dorsal fin and position was
recorded with GPS. Nicks and notches on the dorsal fin were used for individual identification. A total of 30
field surveys were conducted and 30 individuals were identified. A total of 135 groups were recorded,
ranging in size from one to 55 individuals (median = 7, mean = 9.07 ± 6.12). The inclusion of new individuals
ranged from zero (no record of new animals) to six; twenty-eight individuals have been identified with 50%
of the field surveys performed. The study revealed evidence of site fidelity and it may be observed that the
individuals had been using the estuary for five or six years. The spatial distribution of the groups in the study
area was not homogeneous. A total of 60.39% of the sightings occurred in areas with depths of 20 to 30 m
(p<0.05), 45.88% occurred over gravel substrate and 44.41% occurred over silty clay substrate (p<0.01). The
smallest individual range was 0.97 km2 and the largest stretched out on 8.76 km2; individuals’ ranges
overlapped by approximately 0.50 km2 (mean = 4.88, SD – 2.44). However, animals with overlapping areas
were seen together more than once in these sites. Considering the frequency of sightings for S. guianensis in
the estuary of the Paraguaçu River, it seems that this population shows site fidelity. Moreover, the presence
of some individuals in the area for at least six years indicates long-term site fidelity. The use of a small area
and site fidelity draws one’s attention to the vulnerability of the Guiana dolphin and possible alterations that
may occur in the habitat.