Photo identification
Identification of individuals within a population is fundamental for the research of animal behaviour, ecology and life history. To monitor the presence of individual dolphins around Hurghada we use photo-ID and standard mark-recapture techniques to identify them by their scars, nicks and notches on their dorsal fins. Being integrated as divers in the group of dolphins allows us also to take pictures of their whole body which give us relevant information about their physical conditions, reproductive state, as well as their gender.
Photographs of irregularities in the shape of the fluke, the pectoral fins, and other distinct characteristic markings on the body further aid in identifying individuals with little markings on dorsal fins (e.g calves, juveniles).