Occurrence of pantropical spotted dolphin (Stenella attenuata) in northern Peru: an El Niño effect?

Cortez-Casamayor S.; Rodriguez K.A.; Gubbins S.; Cortés D.; Gutierrez C.; Silva S.; Alcorta B.; Pacheco A.S. · Mammalia (2025) · DOI: 10.1515/mammalia-2024-0119

Resumen

The Peruvian coast is considered the southern limit of the distribution area of the pantropical spotted dolphins (Stenella attenuata) in the Eastern Tropical Pacific. However, sightings of this species were scattered and scarce. This study reports an unexpected increase in sightings of this species in northern Peru from 2021 to 2023. Over this period, a total of 34 groups were recorded, with 85.3% (n = 29) observed just in 2023. This significant rise in sightings suggests shifts in dolphin distribution related to rising sea surface temperatures associated with a strong El Niño event.