A rare stranding event of the short beaked common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) in the eastern Tunisian coastline

Abstract

A short beaked common dolphin was found stranded on March 3rd 2021, on Hammamet beach (Central-eastern Tunisia). This is a rare stranding event since it represents the third documented stranded individual reported on Tunisian coastline for half a century. Necropsy of the freshly dead female dolphin was conducted to know the presumable cause of death. The pregnant dolphin was bearing a mid-term female fetus with fully developed organs. Detailed biometric data were taken for both individuals. Samples were collected and preserved in the tissue bank of the national stranding network. The freshly dead fetus is preserved at the oceanographic museum for scientific collection. The rare stranding of this species observed here would be attributed to the small population frequenting Tunisian waters. This note improves knowledge on this poorly studied species in the south-central Mediterranean area.