This study examined association patterns, social clustering, and temporal stability of Indo‐Pacific bottlenose dolphins off the North West Cape (NWC), Western Australia. Over 6 years, boat‐based surveys collected photo‐identification data, enabling repeated sampling, sighting history construction, and associate identification. Among the 344 adult dolphins identified, 116 were sighted at least five times and used in association...

Mixed-species groups are common amongst diverse taxa including fishes, birds, and mammals. Antipredator, foraging, and social benefits have been proposed as functional explanations for mixed-species group formation. Amongst delphinids, mixed-species groups are widespread, but little is known about their function. To investigate the potential benefits of delphinid mixed-species groups, we compared the number of individuals, the...

Numerous species of cetaceans have been recorded in mixed-species groups (MSGs). By forming groups with individuals of different species, cetaceans may reduce predation risk, improve foraging, and gain social benefits. Most accounts of cetacean MSGs, however, are descriptive and little is known about their functions. Furthermore, research has been hindered by inconsistent use of terminology and the lack of a conceptual framewo...