C. hectori: Dolphin Behaviour in Response to Tour-Boat Presence

Animal behaviour is often difficult to observe, measure and interpret. It is often even more difficult to say for certain that specific factors result in stress. To report that stress occurs a certain number of times or for a certain amount of the time are in themselves inconclusive. To determine any real cause for concern, in relation to the presence of stress and its effect on behaviour or reproduction, it is necessary to define stress and view all behaviours exhibited in context. This book (Volume II of III) outlines a study on Hectors dolphin behaviour as observed from specific tour-boats at two New Zealand locations. The study showed that it is necessary to observe a range of behaviours in order to determine meaning, particularly in regard to stress. Preference in swimming direction in the presence of tour boats was also investigated. Dolphins consistently showed a preference in swimming direction when approaching and departing from tour vessels. This volume represents the second set of results gained from a six year long study of Hectors dolphin behaviour at Lyttelton and Timaru and as such provides valuable insight into their biology at these specific sites.