Apologies to those of you who will get duplicate emails due to cross-posting.
The following are abstracts from the most recent issue of Aquatic Mammals, the
scientific peer-reviewed journal of the European Association for Aquatic
Mammals (EAAM). Abstracts are presented as a courtesy to the EAAM and the
journal editors - Drs. Kathleen Dudzinski (managing editor:
kdudzin...@dolphincommunicationproject.org) and Justin Gregg (co-editor;
jus...@dolphincommunication.com). The journal publishes papers dealing with all
aspects of the care, conservation, medicine and science of aquatic mammals. The
journal receives support of the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums
and the International Marine Animal Trainers' Association (IMATA). For more
information on the journal, please go to:
http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/. Contact information is provided for the
corresponding author for each article. Please do not contact the listserve
editors or me for pdfs or copies of the a!
rticles.
Thank you for your continued interest in the journal and these postings.
With regards,
Dagmar Fertl
Ziphius EcoServices
dfe...@gmail.com
http://www.ziphiusecoservices.com
Balmer, B. C.*, L. H. Schwacke, and R. S. Wells. 2010. Linking dive behavior to
satellite-linked tag condition for a bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)
along Florida's northern Gulf of Mexico coast. Aquatic Mammals 36(1):1-8.
*E-mail: bbal...@mote.org
Satellite-linked telemetry is a valuable method to identify small cetacean
movement patterns and dive behavior. Data collection from satellite-linked
tracking is less labor intensive than comparable radio tracking studies in
which intensive field work is required post-tagging. However, there are few
studies that have assessed the effects of satellite-linked transmitter
attachment and retention on the tagged individual. Dolphin X08, a 24-y-old,
male bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) captured and released along the
northern Gulf coast of Florida during a health assessment project, was tagged
with a SPLASH satellite-linked transmitter (Wildlife Computers, Redmond, WA,
USA) to remotely obtain data on movement patterns and dive behavior. In
addition to the satellite-linked transmitter, a VHF radio transmitter was
mounted to X08's dorsal fin to provide short-term movement pattern data and to
allow for position acquisition to observe X08 with the satellite-linked
transmitter.!
X08's satellite-linked tag transmitted location data for 54 days and dive
duration data for 35 of those days. X08's VHF tag transmitted for over 94 days
and allowed for complete monitoring of the satellite-linked tag's life. Dive
duration data changed throughout the course of the satellite-linked tag
transmissions. These dive data, along with follow-up observations, suggest that
as the stability of the satellite-linked tag on the dorsal fin decreased, the
number of longer dives increased, possibly to mitigate the amount of time that
the satellite-linked tag came into contact with the water surface. This study
was the first to identify movement patterns and dive durations of a bottlenose
dolphin along the northern Gulf coast of Florida as well as to monitor
satellite-linked tag condition throughout the transmission period.
*********
Graham, M. A.*, and M. Noonan. 2010. Call types and acoustic features
associated with aggressive chase in the killer whale (Orcinus orca). Aquatic
Mammals 36(1):9-18.
* E-mail: noo...@canisius.edu
Instances of aggressive chase over a 5-mo period were investigated in captive
killer whales (Orcinus orca). Such episodes were found to be quite rare,
occurring only eight times in 1,872 h of observation. A consistent vocal
pattern was found to be associated with agonistic episodes that differed
markedly from the pattern recorded during non-aggressive, time-matched control
periods. In general, vocalizations associated with aggressive chase were
characterized by amplitude and frequency modulated pulses of approximately 190
ms in duration. In addition, three specific call types were found to occur only
during chase events. As a whole, these particular call types and associated
features are offered as an acoustic signature of agonism in the killer whale.
It is hoped that these sounds might aid researchers in interpreting heretofore
enigmatic killer whale vocalizations recorded from wild populations.
**************
Bashir, T.*, A. Khan, P. Gautam, and S. K. Behera. 2010. Abundance and prey
availability assessment of Ganges River dolphin (Platanista gangetica
gangetica) in a stretch of upper Ganges River, India. Aquatic Mammals
36(1):19-26.
* E-mail: tbas...@wii.gov.in
The present study was conducted between January and June 2007 to assess the
abundance and density of Ganges River dolphin (Platanista ganget-ica gangetica)
and their prey in a 28-km stretch of the River Ganges between Narora Barrage
and Anupshahar. Two different sampling methods were used to estimate dolphin
densities. Estimated density was 2.58 ± 0.40 individuals/km2 (mean ± 1 SE)
using the direct count method and 4.97 ± 0.60 individuals/km2 using the
boat-based, line-transect distance methods, with an encounter rate of 0.52 ±
0.068 individuals/km and detection probability of 0.647. No significant
differences between the upstream and downstream counts (t = 1.29, df = 9, p >
0.05) were detected. The adult male to adult female ratio was 0.66: 1.00,
whereas the calf to adult female ratio was 0.42: 1.00. We collected 16 fish
species of length class varying from 3.5 to 20 cm (range of preferred size of
dolphin prey) with a total density of 176.42 fish/km2 and a total average bi!
omass of 5.36 kg/km2. Dolphin density showed a significant positive
relationship (R2 = 0.587) with density of Reba fish (Cirrhinus reba) (β = 0.31,
p = 0.00) and Baam fish (Mastacembelus armatus) (β = 0.50, p = 0.04) and also
with water depth (β = 0.17, p = 0.03). Presence of dolphins varied across
different water depth categories (χ2 = 106.38, df = 3, p < 0.01) and different
parts of the river (χ2 = 21.68, df = 2, p = 0.00) with more than 50% of dolphin
sightings occurring in confluences, indicating their preference for deep water
pools.
***********
Karamanlidis, A. A.*, V. Paravas, F. Trillmich, and P. Dendrinos. 2010. First
observations of parturition and postpartum behavior in the Mediterranean monk
seal (Monachus monachus) in the eastern Mediterranean. Aquatic Mammals
36(1):27-31.
* E-mail: akaramanli...@gmail.com
Understanding reproductive behavior, especially the circumstances surrounding
parturition and the events following the first days postpartum, is essential in
developing effective conservation strategies for endangered pinnipeds. In the
case of the critically endangered Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus),
difficulties in documenting events, such as parturition, are compounded by the
very low population numbers and the inaccessibility of the habitat occupied by
the species. In this study, the authors report the first observations of
parturition for the species from the central Aegean Sea, Greece in the eastern
Mediterranean Sea. Using a state-of-the-art infrared remote-monitoring system
two births were documented and important information on the total duration of
the events, the total duration of attempted suckling, as well as, information
on the presentation of the pups, their sex and habitat were recorded. This new
information on the reproductive biology of the spe!
cies in this part of its range outline the importance of suitable reproductive
caves for the conservation of the species and the urgency of protecting them.
In addition, considering the high cost and logistics of the study, monitoring
the species on a large scale to effectively protect it, will require the
development of new, low-cost and time-efficient methodologies.
*************
Filby, N. E.*, K. J. Sanderson, E. Martinez, and K. A. Stockin. 2010.
Distribution and population demographics of common dolphins (Delphinus delphis)
in the Gulf St. Vincent, South Australia. Aquatic Mammals 36(1):33-45.
*E-mail: nicole.fi...@live.vu.edu.au
Within Australian waters, short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) are
exposed to a variety of human-induced impacts, including aquaculture and
fisheries. Nonetheless, the occurrence and distribution of common dolphins
within these waters remains unknown. Data detailed herein represent the first
report of the occurrence and distribution of common dolphins from Australian
waters. The density and relative abundance of common dolphins within Gulf St.
Vincent (GSV), South Australia, was examined between September 2005 and May
2008 using systematic boat surveys. During 1,850 km of survey effort, a total
of 108 independent groups, involving 564 common dolphins, were observed. Group
size ranged from 2 to 21 individuals (mean = 5.26, SD = 3.687), with immature
dolphins found in larger group sizes. Adults were the most frequent age class
observed in this population (60.3%, n = 340), with neonates and calves observed
most frequently between December and April. Sighting frequen!
cy was 3 groups/100 km² travelled, with an encounter rate of 16 common
dolphins/100 km². The western longitude and southern latitude sections of GSV
were used most frequently by this species, with most groups recorded in water
depths of 35 to 40 m (mean = 37.2 m, SD = 1.4), and in areas 21 to 31 km from
land (mean = 27.4 km, SD = 2.6). Common dolphin density was estimated to be 0.5
dolphins/100 km2, with a population estimate of 1,957 dolphins within their
preferred habitat (waters deeper than 14 m). Results suggest the GSV is
important for this species and that common dolphins use these waters as a
nursery area.
*********
Lanyon, J. M.*, H. L. Sneath, T. Long, and R. K. Bonde. 2010. Physiological
response of wild dugongs (Dugong dugon) to out-of-water sampling for health
assessment. Aquatic Mammals 36(1):46-58.
* E-mail: j.lan...@uq.edu.au
The dugong (Dugong dugon) is a vulnerable marine mammal with large populations
living in urban Queensland waters. A mark-recapture program for wild dugongs
has been ongoing in southern Queensland since 2001. This program has involved
capture and in-water sampling of more than 700 dugongs where animals have been
held at the water surface for 5 min to be gene-tagged, measured, and biopsied.
In 2008, this program expanded to examine more comprehensively body condition,
reproductive status, and the health of wild dugongs in Moreton Bay. Using Sea
World's research vessel, captured dugongs were lifted onto a boat and sampled
out-of-water to obtain accurate body weights and morphometrics, collect blood
and urine samples for baseline health parameters and hormone profiles, and
ultrasound females for pregnancy status. In all, 30 dugongs, including two
pregnant females, were sampled over 10 d and restrained on deck for up to 55
min each while biological data were collected. Each o!
f the dugongs had their basic temperature-heart rate-respiration (THR)
monitored throughout their period of handling, following protocols developed
for the West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus). This paper reports on the
physiological response of captured dugongs during this out-of-water operation
as indicated by their vital signs and the suitability of the manatee monitoring
protocols to this related sirenian species. A recommendation is made that the
range of vital signs of these wild dugongs be used as benchmark criteria of
normal parameters for other studies that intend to sample dugongs out-of-water.
********
Berman-Kowalewski, M.*, F. M. D. Gulland, S. Wilkin, J. Calambokidis, B. Mate,
J. Cordaro, D. Rotstein, J. St. Leger, P. Collins, K. Fahy, and S. Dover. 2010.
Association between blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) mortality and ship
strikes along the California coast. Aquatic Mammals 36(1):59-66.
* E-mail: mber...@sbnature2.org
Blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus) are distributed worldwide, and although
severely depleted by commercial whaling, their abundance off the California
coast now appears to be increasing. Little is known about natural causes of
mortality of blue whales, but human-related mortality continues despite legal
protection. Ship strikes are a significant mortality factor for other species
of baleen whale, and changes in shipping traffic have been advocated to
minimize further deaths. Between 1988 and 2007, 21 blue whale deaths were
reported along the California coast, typically one or two cases annually. Three
pulses in strandings were observed, with three carcasses observed in fall
1988, three in 2002, and four in fall 2007. Two of the four animals in 2007
were first observed dead in the Santa Barbara Channel and had wounds typical of
a ship strike. Blue whale strandings were spatially associated with locations
of shipping lanes, especially those associated with the Ports of Lo!
s Angeles and Long Beach, and were most common in the fall months.
********
Yurk, H.*, O. Filatova, C. O. Matkin, L. G. Barrett-Lennard, and M. Brittain.
2010. Sequential habitat use by two resident killer whale (Orcinus orca) clans
in Resurrection Bay, Alaska, as determined by remote acoustic monitoring.
Aquatic Mammals 36(1):67-78.
*E-mail: y...@zoology.ubc.ca
Killer whales (Orcinus orca) are sighted regularly in coastal Alaska during
the summer, but little is known about their movements through the area during
the winter when weather and light limit the use of boat-based surveys. Acoustic
monitoring provides a practical alternative because each extended resident
killer whale family group or pod has a unique dialect that can be discerned by
differences in their repertoires of stereotyped calls. The repertoires of
resident killer whale pods in the northern Gulf of Alaska were updated from
earlier studies, and the results used to determine the identity of pods that
were recorded on remote hydrophones in Resurrection Bay, Alaska, in the fall,
winter, and spring of 1999 to 2004. In total, seven pods of resident killer
whales were identified acoustically, comprising four related pods from AB clan
and three from AD clan. The frequencies of occurrence of the clans differed
between the November to March recording period when AB clan occ!
upied the area, and the April-May period when AD clan was predominant. The
sequential use of this habitat during periods of relative prey scarcity has
the effect of limiting intergroup resource competition and is consistent with
earlier findings that demonstrated divergent resource specialization by
sympatric killer whale populations.
******
Lynn, B. L., C. Reichmuth, R. J. Schusterman, and F. M. D. Gulland. 2010.
Filial imprinting in a Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus). Aquatic Mammals
36(1):79-83.
* E-mail: brian.l.l...@gmail.com
The Marine Mammal Center hand reared a male Steller sea lion (Eumetopias
jubatus) after it was found abandoned as a neonate in June 2006. Following
release in April 2007, the animal repeatedly approached humans on the shore,
necessitating long-term captive placement. To evaluate the extent of this
preference for human contact, we conducted three behavioral assessments: (1) a
stationary preference test, (2) a following test, and (3) a vocal playback
test. This sea lion demonstrated an overall penchant for human interaction and
a strong preference for the voice of one of his early caretakers. Filial
imprinting, a developmental phenomenon extensively studied in birds but less
so in mammals, is suggested as the cause of this aberrant social behavior. The
long-term effects of imprinting in mammals, including impacts on reproductive
success, remain poorly understood. This observation with a Steller sea lion is
the first documented case of probable imprinting in this species.
*****
Schusterman, R. J. 2010. Historical perspectives: Pinniped psychobiology: The
early years. Aquatic Mammals 36(1):84-110.
Dr. Ron Schusterman provides a historical perspective of, and his integral role
in, the exploration of the sensory systems, perception, cognition, and
communication of pinnipeds. Ron Schusterman passed away on February 11, 2010,
during the final editorial work on this manuscript. The material presented in
this article was partially drawn from writings for a book that he was working
on about his life in science and with animals.
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