Lack of association between magnetic patterns and the distribution of free-ranging dolphins

While free-ranging dolphins (Delphinus sp.) have been shown to be associated with bottom topography (depth contours of the sea floor), stranded dolphins have been shown to be associated with magnetic topography. Association with magnetic patterns that may be useful for orientation and navigation by free-ranging dolphins has not been demonstrated. Evaluation of the same 140 locations of free-ranging Delphinus delphis that demonstrate an association with bottom topography patterns shows no association with magnetic intensity gradients or directional orientation with magnetic patterns. Dolphins may be able to detect cues from both bottom topography and magnetic patterns, but the free-ranging dolphins analyzed here are associated with only bottom topography.