Title of article :
Prevalence of Epidermal Conditions in Critically Endangered Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphins (Sousa chinensis) from the Waters of Western Taiwan
Author/Authors :
Yang, Wei-Cheng National Chiayi University - College of Agriculture - Department of Veterinary Medicine, Taiwan , Chang, Wei-Lung National Taiwan University - Institute of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, College of Life Science, Taiwan , Kwong, Ka-Hei National Chiayi University - College of Agriculture - Department of Veterinary Medicine, Taiwan , Yao, Yi-Ting National Chiayi University - College of Agriculture - Department of Veterinary Medicine, Taiwan , Chou, Lien-Siang National Taiwan University - Institute of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, College of Life Science, Taiwan
Abstract :
The prevalence of epidermal conditions in a small critically endangered population ( 100 individuals) of coastal Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) from the waters of western Taiwan was assessed during a photo-identification study conducted between 2006 and 2010. Of 97 individuals photographically examined, 37% were affected by one or multiple conditions. Besides, mature individuals had significantly higher prevalence than immature ones. Five different skin condition categories were considered, including pox-like lesion, pale lesion, orange film, prolonged ulcer lesion, and nodule on body. This first study to investigate epidermal conditions on S. chinensis in the world offers data for comparison with other studies in the future and new ground for discussion on the health of these animals and the potential impact of anthropogenic activities.
Keywords :
Critically endangered , Epidermal conditions , Indo , Pacific humpback , dolphin , Sentinel , Sousa chinensis , Taiwan
Journal title :
Pakistan Veterinary Journal
Journal title :
Pakistan Veterinary Journal
