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There are two populations of Commerson's dolphins separated by 130˚ of longitude, or 8500 km (5,281 mi.). |
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One population of Commerson's lives along the coasts of southern South America, the Falkland Islands, and South Georgia Island. |
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On the west coast of South America in the Pacific Ocean, Commerson's are found as far north as Isla Grande De Chloé, Chile (42º45'S latitude). |
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On the east coast of South America in the Atlantic Ocean, Commerson's dolphins are found as far north as southern Brazil at about 31ºS latitude. |
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The second population of Commerson's lives in shallow coastal waters around the Kerguelen Islands in the southern Indian Ocean. |
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Despite the distance between South America and Kerguelen Commerson's dolphin populations, most scientists currently recognize only one Commerson's dolphin species. |
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| 2. |
The dolphin's distribution extends as far south as the South Shetland Islands, about 63ºS latitude. |
| 3. |
Commerson's dolphins are also frequently seen in the Strait of Magellan and around Tierra del Fuego, both about 54ºS latitude. |
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The Strait of Magellan is a narrow strip of water that connects the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. It also separates Tierra del Fuego, a 241 km (150 mile) long peninsula, from mainland South America. |
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| 4. |
Commerson's dolphins live in cold, inshore waters along coastlines, bays, harbors, and river mouths. |
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They prefer waters less than 200 m (656 ft.) deep. |
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The water temperature around their South America habitat ranges from 4ºC to 16ºC (39.2ºF–60.8ºF). |
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The water temperatures around Kerguelen Island are even colder, 1ºC to 8ºC (33.8ºF–46.4ºF). |
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| 5. |
Commerson's dolphins are often seen swimming in or at the edge of kelp beds. |
