Associated Publication

This dataset supports the article:

Lima, A. et al. (2026) Ecology and Evolution, 16:e74004, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.74004

Description of the dataset

This repository contains data, environmental layers, and analytical scripts used to investigate the effects of boat traffic and environmental variables on habitat use by Guiana dolphins (Sotalia guianensis) in Pontal Bay (Ilhéus, Bahia, Brazil).

The dataset includes:

• Sampled dolphin and boat location data
• Environmental raster layers
• Processed datasets used in habitat selection and niche analyses
• Scripts documenting analytical workflows

Data sensitivity statement

Sotalia guianensis is currently classified as Near Threatened according to the IUCN Red List. In Brazil, the species is listed as Endangered (Portaria MMA nº 1.704/2026).

Due to its conservation status, the dataset does not include the full set of precise geographic coordinates. Instead, a subset of location data is provided to preserve the structure and reproducibility of analyses while minimizing potential conservation risks associated with the public release of detailed spatial information. Coordinates were rounded to the nearest 1 km (UTM) to reduce spatial precision and minimize potential risks to the species.

The study area is a well-known, urbanized estuarine system subject to long-term monitoring.

Geographic Information

Study area: Pontal Bay, Ilhéus, Bahia, Brazil

Coordinate system: WGS84 / UTM Zone 24S (EPSG:32724)

File and Data Description

1. Location Data

dolphin_locations_20rows.csv Sample of dolphin GPS locations.

Variables:

• id – individual or group identifier
• burst – track segment identifier
• time – timestamp
• X – projected coordinate (meters, UTM)
• Y – projected coordinate (meters, UTM)

boat_locations_20rows.csv: Sample of boat GPS locations.

Variables:

• id – boat identifier
• burst – track segment identifier
• time – timestamp
• X – projected coordinate (meters, UTM)
• Y – projected coordinate (meters, UTM)

2. Habitat Selection and OMI Data

data_omi.csv: Dataset used for OMI (Outlying Mean Index) and habitat selection analyses.

Variables:

• RED – distance to river/estuary edge
• OD – distance to ocean
• FCD – distance to fishing centers
• Dep – depth
• Boats – boat use or presence metric
• Dolphins – dolphin use or presence metric

pts_random_extract_new_60m.csv: Dataset of used and available points for habitat selection analyses.

Variables:

• use_dolphin – dolphin site use (binary: 1 = used, 0 = available)
• use_boat – boat site use (binary: 1 = used, 0 = available)
• ud_dolphin – dolphin utilization distribution value
• ud_boat – boat utilization distribution value
• depth – bathymetry value
• dist_coa – distance to coastline or estuary outlet
• dist_est – distance to river edge
• dist_fish – distance to fishing centers

3. Environmental Raster Layers

batim_new.tif Bathymetry (depth).

dist_coa_new.tif: Distance to coastline or estuary outlet.

dist_est_new.tif: Distance to river/estuary edge.

dist_fish_new.tif: Distance to fishing centers.

water.tif: Water mask defining the study area boundary.

4. Analytical Scripts

BRBK__script.R: Script describing the implementation of Biased Random Bridge (BRB) models for estimating utilization distributions and home ranges.

Habitat_selection_2nd_3nd_order_script.R: Script for second- and third-order habitat selection analyses using regression-based approaches.

omi_script.R: Script describing OMI and canonical OMI analyses for habitat niche characterization.

Notes

• All spatial data are provided in projected coordinates (UTM Zone 24S).
• Scripts are provided as documentation of analytical procedures and may require adaptation to run in a new computational environment.
• The dataset represents a subset and processed version of the full data used in the study.

Contact

For questions regarding the dataset, please contact the corresponding author.