New Paper on the Reproductive Parameters of Australian Humpback Dolphins

We are excited to announce our brand-new publication in the Journal of Marine Mammal Science!

This is the first publication on the reproductive parameters of the Australian humpback dolphins. Using data collected from Moreton Bay, Queensland, we analysed the life history data of female Australian humpback dolphins from 2014 to 2020. Our findings revealed an average inter-birth interval of 3 years and range of 1 to more than 6 years. Calves have a minimum weaning age of 2 years, however, only 44 % survive to the age of 2. We also found a distinct birth peak for this population which coincides with the late autumn and early winter months. Our findings demonstrate the limited reproductive capacity of this population and further emphasise their vulnerability to threats from human activities and major flooding events.

Hawkins, E. R., & Dunleavy, M. (2024). Estimated reproductive parameters for a vulnerable Australian humpback dolphin population. Marine Mammal Science, 40(4), e13131. https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.13131

Check out our short video abstract about this study.