Prevalence of Epidermal Conditions in Critically Endangered Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphins (Sousa chinensis) from the Waters of Western Taiwan

• Main Author: Wei-Cheng Yang1, Wei-Lung Chang2, Ka-Hei Kwong1, Yi-Ting Yao1 and Lien-Siang Chou2*
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 2013-11-01
• Series: Pakistan Veterinary Journal
• Subjects: Critically endangered; Epidermal conditions; Indo-Pacific humpback; dolphin; Sentinel; Sousa chinensis; Taiwan
• Online Access: http://pvj.com.pk/pdf-files/33_4/505-509.pdf

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.