Stranding patterns of the striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba, Meyen 1833, Delphinidae) along the Sicilian coast (Mediterranean Sea)

Abstract

Along the coasts of Sicily, 73 striped dolphins strandings were recorded from 2013 to 2016. The specimens were collected at the Centro di Monitoraggio e Controllo per Tartarughe marine e Cetacei [Monitoring and Control Centre for Marine Turtles and Cetaceans] at the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia. Subsequent necropsies were performed to determine the cause of death. The date and stranding location were recorded for each specimen. Total body length, weight, sex, and other key biometric measurements were also recorded for fresh and moderately decomposed specimens. The individuals were divided into three life stage categories on the basis of total body length: (1) newborns <100 cm, (2) juveniles from 100 cm to 190 cm, and (3) adults >191 cm.