Research Report

The Bottlenose Dolphin Tursiops truncatus in the Southern End of Port Phillip Bay: Behavioural Characteristics in Spring and Summer

Carol Scarpaci, Stephen W. Bigger, Troy. A. Saville and Dayanthi Nugegoda

Abstract
This study reports on the behavioural characteristics of Bottlenose Dolphins Tursiops truncatus in the southern end of Port Phillip Bay during Spring and Summer of 1995/1996. A total of 35 hours of direct observations (contact time = 14%) of the dolphins were made using a focal group sampling method. The probability of sighting dolphins in the study area was greatest in January and February and least in October. The most frequently observed group size was 2-5 and within 500 m of the shore. The most commonly recorded behaviour was travel (51%) followed by social (31%) and feeding behaviour (17%). Mixed groups of adults and neonatal-calves were observed during Spring (50%) and Summer (62%).
(The Victorian Naturalist 117 (1), 2000, 4-9.)
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Contributions

Moss Collections from Lord Howe Island in the National Herbarium of Victoria (MEL)

Arthur W. Thies

Abstract
Bryum pachytheca, Fabronia australis, Fissidens asplenioides, F. oblongifolius, Leptobryum pyriforme, Schizymenium bryoides and Sematophyllum homomallum are added to the recorded moss flora of Lord Howe Island. Other recent published additions Calomnion milleri, Himantocladium cyclophyllum, Schlotheimia brownii and Thuidium sparsum are mentioned, and Echinodium hispidum is restored. Isotypes of Rhodobryum leucocanthum are reported. Several nomina nuda are synonymised with legitimate taxa.
(The Victorian Naturalist 117 (1), 2000, 10-13.)
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Shell Studies at Edward Point, St Leonards, South Bellarine Peninsula by the Ringwood Field Naturalists Club

Noel Schleiger and Dorothy Mahler

Abstract
Nine sites, 100 m apart, were sampled on the north shore of the Edward Point peninsula on Port Phillip Bay. At each site, a collection of at least 100 complete, dead mollusc shells was made. By carefully analysing the habitat of each species and water depth at which live specimens are found, inferences were made about the sedimentary conditions offshore as well as the plant and animal life growing there. The species diversity increases when two habitats join and decreases when conditions approach uniformity or are harsh.
(The Victorian Naturalist 117 (1), 2000, 14-30.)
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The Biology, Ecology and Horticultural Potential of Banksia L.f.: a Bibliography of Recent Literature

A.K. Cavanagh

Abstract
The fourth bibliography of Banksia lists papers published in journals between 1996 and 1998. Books and special reports are also included.
(The Victorian Naturalist 117 (1), 2000, 31-35.)
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