The St. Paul’s Rocks (SPR, 00º56'N; 29º22’W) is one of the smallest groups of islands in Brazil, approximately 1,200 km from the coast of Natal and 1,800 km from the coast of Africa. In 1999, GEMARS started a project to survey cetacean species in the vicinity of the SPR. Since then the group has been carrying out activities on site.
Studies by GEMARS revealed the confirmed presence of at least four species of cetaceans in the region, including the sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus), the Cuvier's beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris), the humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) and a resident population of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus).
Regarding this last species, we sought to better understand the spatio-temporal distribution of the common bottlenose dolphin in SPR through abundance estimates and habitat use techniques. Studies revealed preference for a relatively small area close to the archipelago, and photo-identification methodology demonstrated the dolphins' residence and an abundance of approximately 23 dolphins. The presence of some individuals resighted at the site for nine years, as well as the constant presence of calfs indicate the great importance of the place for this population.
In addition, this investigation was a first step towards the study of long-term demographic and ecological aspects of this population, further demonstrating the ecological plasticity and adaptability of this species in oceanic islands (link to article/ investigation: 10.1111 / mms.12380).
The GEMARS was also responsible for the publication of a very curious record of a fur seal of the Arctocephalus genus, which was feeding near St. Paul’s Rocks. This is the most northerly record of the genus in the Atlantic Ocean so far. # The individual's video can be viewed through this link, and the publication can be viewed here.
