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First confirmation of occurrence of the pan-tropical spotted dolphin, Stenella attenuata, in Pakistani waters through a mass stranding event

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 July 2011

Muhammad Shoaib Kiani ,
Pervaiz Iqbal  and
Pirzada J.A. Siddiqui
Muhammad Shoaib Kiani*
Affiliation:
Centre of Excellence in Marine Biology, University of Karachi, Karachi-75270, Pakistan
Pervaiz Iqbal
Affiliation:
Centre of Excellence in Marine Biology, University of Karachi, Karachi-75270, Pakistan
Pirzada J.A. Siddiqui
Affiliation:
Centre of Excellence in Marine Biology, University of Karachi, Karachi-75270, Pakistan
*
Correspondence should be addressed to: M.S. Kiani, Centre of Excellence in Marine Biology, University of Karachi, Karachi-75270, Pakistan email: shoaib.cemb@gmail.com
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Abstract

The pan-tropical spotted dolphin Stenella attenuata is typically found in deep tropical and warm temperate waters and has been previously confirmed from the waters of most of Pakistan's neighbouring countries. However, to date, there has been no record of this species from Pakistan. This paper reports the first confirmed occurrence of this species in Pakistani waters, specifically a mass stranding event of 200–250 animals on 6 March 2009. The animals live stranded and all except two were rescued. These possibly died as a result of being stranded for a long time on the beach in hot, arid conditions that generally prevail along the coastline of Pakistan. All the animals appeared healthy but the exact cause of this mass stranding event could not be determined. Being the first confirmed record of this species in Pakistan, this information is an important addition and consideration for the Pakistan Biodiversity Action Plan.

Keywords

pan-tropical spotted dolphinStenella attenuatamass strandingPakistan
Type
Research Article
Information
Marine Biodiversity Records , Volume 4 , December 2011 , e60
Copyright
Copyright © Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 2011

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