Abstract
in regard to both the abstract and the introduction
This article, specifically these two paragraphs, almost provides supporting information for the first manuscript we read as a class. Any grey areas of understanding and visualization that were present in the first manuscript were refined with the abstract and introduction of this manuscript.
Fig. 3. Number of boto groups records before (BRF) and after (ARF) the Jirau dam construction per hydrological season per sector in Madeira River.
Fig 3.
This data makes sense, as it would be easier to spot dolphins in lower water levels, paired with the fact that there is the possibility that the dolphin populations are more condensed due to the lessening amount of swimming space.
Yet, since our analysis focus on boto groups instead of individuals this bias did not affect the results. In total, 29 records of groups were sighted before and 38 after reservoir filling
What is the reasoning for focusing on groups vs individuals? Was it to avoid miscounting? Since you can clearly distinguish a group of multiple dolphins while it's notably much harder, if not impossible, to tell if an individual is part of a group.
delimitations of the dams influence area that previously established by other researches.
Results; end of first paragraph
Does any of the excluded data possibly raise other questions or areas of research relevant to the scope of this study?
A group of river dolphins was defined, in this study, as a set of animals that are seen together within 250 m from the boat, likely engaged in the same activities, and does not necessarily correspond to a social group (see McGuire & Winemiller, 1998). Also, for the analysis we considered solitary individuals as group.
End of last paragraph; materials and methods
Does tagging both individuals and true groups as groups not cause discrepancy in the data? If not, how do they know the true number of dolphins? What if there were individuals that never visited the surface along with the rest of the group?
deforestation,
Beginning of 3rd paragraph, introduction.
I would assume that this affects the dolphins and is an issue due to root structures in riverine habitats being necessary to hold the ground in place and preent erosion and runoff, as well as provide necessary shade. There is also the possibility that deforestation could lead to physical barriers being inttroduced (ex. a log falling over the river).
a total of 13 dams currently operate in river dolphin distribution areas, and about 150 more are planned to be built by 2030
beginning of second paragraph, introduction
This article was published in 2021... thats 150 dams in 9 years...16 dams as year...