Research
I'm interested in cetacean social behaviour and group structure, understanding how dolphins interact with each other, both aggressively and cooperatively, and ways in which they maintain their social bonds. I'm also interested in photo-ID and distribution of the Pacific white-sided dolphins around Japan.
Photo Credit: Mai Sakai
Flipper rubbing
I have been analysing underwater video data from around Mikura Island, Japan to find sex differences in the social behaviour of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins. Studying 'flipper rubbing', a behaviour that strengthens bonds between dolphins.
Japan Ethology Conference 2019:
Rosser et al. 'Sex differences of flipper rubbing in wild Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins'
Photo-ID studies
Collecting photo-identification data on Pacific white-sided dolphins in Mutsu Bay, Japan as part of a long-term study with Mutsu Bay Dolphin Research. Our aim is to establish whether the same individuals return to the bay each year on their Northern migration.
Photo Credit: Mutsu Bay Dolphin Research
Photo Credit: Mutsu Bay Dolphin Research
Behavioural studies of Pacific white-sided dolphins
Monitoring the dolphins that enter Mutsu Bay each spring with a focus on their social behaviour and feeding tactics.
Publication: Rosser, L. R., Morisaka, T., Mitani, Y., & Igarashi, T. (2022) Calf-directed aggression as a possible infanticide attempt in Pacific white-sided dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obliquidens). Aquatic Mammals 48(3), 273-286.