COMPARATIVE GROWTH ANALYSIS OF TWO POPULATIONS OF PONTOPORIA BLAINVILLEI ON THE BRAZILIAN COAST

摘要: The von Bertalanffy growth model was applied to franciscana dolphins (Ponto- poria blainvillei) incidentally caught in fishing nets on the SPaulo/Parancoasts (25 ◦ 00 � -25 58 S), and compared with of franciscanas Rio Grande do Sul coast (29 -33 S). In both locations, a difference noted between males females, confirming sexual dimorphism body proportions this dolphin. curves from S˜ ao Paulo/Paranwere significantly different (P < 0.01) those obtained Sul, smaller animals former area. On Paulo/Parancoast, stabilization happened at total length 113 129 cm for (n = 23) females 18), respectively. they stabilized 130 59) 146 48) females. These results corroborate morphometric differences previ- ously mentioned literature, which resulted identification northern form larger southern P. blainvillei. data here presented can be used future comparisons changes parameters these two stocks help develop proper conservation programs species. Growth is result biochemical, physiological, genetic processes. po- tential each individual altered due many aspects including, but not limited to, food availability, diseases, stress. Therefore, by comparing patterns populations submitted incidental captures unexploited similar environmental conditions, life strate- gies identified an idea about impact it. dolphin, Pontoporia blainvillei, species threatened several