Risso's Dolphin Grampus griseus (Cuvier) in Co WicklowAuthor(s): Dave WallSource: The Irish Naturalists' Journal, Vol. 27, No. 9 (2004), p. 366Published by: Irish Naturalists' Journal Ltd.Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/25536540 .

Accessed: 16/06/2014 10:23

Your use of the JSTOR archive indicates your acceptance of the Terms & Conditions of Use, available at .http://www.jstor.org/page/info/about/policies/terms.jsp

.JSTOR is a not-for-profit service that helps scholars, researchers, and students discover, use, and build upon a wide range ofcontent in a trusted digital archive. We use information technology and tools to increase productivity and facilitate new formsof scholarship. For more information about JSTOR, please contact support@jstor.org.

.

Irish Naturalists' Journal Ltd. is collaborating with JSTOR to digitize, preserve and extend access to The IrishNaturalists' Journal.

http://www.jstor.org

This content downloaded from 194.29.185.216 on Mon, 16 Jun 2014 10:23:25 AMAll use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions

Ir Nat J. Volume 27 No 9 2004

Risso's dolphin Grampus griseus (Cuvier) in Co Wicklow

On 25 April 2003 a report of a stranded cetacean was received from the Sealife Centre in Bray. Upon investigation the body of a 3.2m long toothed cetacean was found at the

bathing place on Bray Head (02818). The animal had a prominent sickle-shaped dorsal fin, long pectoral fins and four tooth sockets on either side of the lower jaw (with no teeth in the

upper jaw) and was identified as a Risso's dolphin. The body was beginning to decompose and the sex could not be determined. No obvious injuries were noticed on the body.

This is the only stranding of this species recorded from Co Wicklow, despite the fact that there are regular sightings of Risso's dolphins along the Wicklow Coast. This stranding preceded a noted increase in Risso's dolphin activity along the Bray/Greystones coast during the summer of 2003.

Dave Wall

Irish Whale <& Dolphin Group, 84 Rockfield Avenue, Terenure, Dublin 12

Correspondence

Report of Galway Naturalists' Field Club (Club Naduraithe na Gaillimhe) 2002-2003

Dear Sir, ? The Galway Naturalists' Field Club (GNFC) was founded in early 2002, with the

aim of promoting an interest in all aspects of the natural world, and particularly in the Galway region. The interests of club members are wide and include zoology, botany, ecology and

geology, while also looking at landscapes and seascapes in their totality. The objectives of the club are:

To promote an interest in natural history amongst the general public, and additionally, to educate those interested.

To use fieldtrips to collect & collate data on local flora & fauna, which may be of use in future surveys & assessments.

As its activities cover a broad field, the GNFC will also serve to bring together individuals from all aspects of natural history, and promote open discourse

between different groups. These connections can further promote interest in

natural history throughout the community.

The club allows members of the community in Galway (and indeed, from further afield) to learn about all aspects of natural heritage. Those with only a passing interest in the environment are catered for, just as those who wish to learn specific identification skills will also find what they are looking for. Membership of the GNFC is open to all ages. On most

outings species lists are compiled and this information is available on our web site (still under

construction). Some trips are lead by experts, renowned in their field, while others are less formal, with everyone free to contribute.

366

This content downloaded from 194.29.185.216 on Mon, 16 Jun 2014 10:23:25 AMAll use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions