Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) aggregations at Cocos Island National Park, Puntarenas, Costa Rica, between 2017-2022

Research on bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) aggregations at Cocos Island National Park, Costa Rica, from 2017 to 2022 reveals that the northeastern and southwestern quadrants serve as critical feeding grounds, likely due to high productivity near seamounts. The study found no significant seasonal or annual differences in sightings but noted an increase in individuals per group during 2020-2021, possibly linked to reduced human activity during the COVID-19 pandemic. While juveniles and pups were consistently present until 2022, their absence that year suggests potential shifts in habitat use or population dynamics. The research used systematic monitoring via the PRONAMEC protocol, dividing the park into quadrants and analyzing group composition, location, and seasonality to inform conservation strategies for this remote yet ecologically vital marine area.

Fernández, S., Ulate, K., & Golfín, G. (2025). Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) aggregations at Cocos Island National Park, Puntarenas, Costa Rica, between 2017-2022. https://doi.org/10.5194/oos2025-911