As sperm whales move away from our coasts, our target species becomes the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). In our study area, the species is distributed primarily north of the island of Ischia, a region vital for these dolphins' feeding, resting, social cohesion, and mating.
Photo-identification analyses, based on the natural characteristics of the dorsal fin and the presence of notches, scars, and other permanent markings across the body, have allowed us to catalog approximately 300 individuals, many of which have been observed again over the years.
Our long-term monitoring, active since 1991, allows us to understand the population structure, associations between individuals, area fidelity, and habitat use. This means a better understanding of the role of these animals in the ecosystem and provides fundamental data for their conservation.