Ocurrencia y Tasas de Encuentro de Mamíferos Marinos en las Aguas de la Isla Malpelo y Hacia el Continente

A decade-long study (2001–2010) of marine mammal sightings around Malpelo Island and its continental waters reveals that the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) is the most consistently abundant species, with stable encounter rates year-round. The research, combining data from four sources, identified seven species near the island—with peak richness in October–November—and 13 during cruises, where humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) dominated (March–April). Humpbacks were seasonally linked to Malpelo, suggesting reproductive use. The study also found species associations with distinct water zones: M. novaeangliae near the continental shelf, D. delphis in intermediate waters, and T. truncatus across both, indicating overlapping populations. This work advances knowledge of marine mammal distribution in Colombian waters, highlighting Malpelo’s ecological significance.

Herrera Carmona, J. C., Capella Alzueta, J. J., Soler, G. A., Bessudo, S., García, C., & Flórez González, L. (2016). OCURRENCIA Y TASAS DE ENCUENTRO DE MAMÍFEROS MARINOS EN LAS AGUAS DE LA ISLA MALPELO Y HACIA EL CONTINENTE. Bulletin of Marine and Coastal Research, 40. https://doi.org/10.25268/bimc.invemar.2011.40.0.128