Smultea Sciences is pleased to announce and share a PDF link to our recent publication entitled "Cetacean Mother-calf Behavior Observed from a Small Aircraft off Southern California" in the journal Animal Behavior and Cognition, based on observations, video and photos taken from our circling research aircraft during 2008-2013.
Abstract During early developmental stages, cetacean calves are dependent on their mothers for survival. Protection of young whales engaged in behaviors that are biologically important is critical for population recovery, so that appropriate management actions can be taken to minimize human disturbance. However, the occurrence and frequency of whale nursing and calves back-riding their mothers (both considered important to calf survival) have rarely been observed nor adequately quantified or defined. Therefore, it may not always be clear when disruption is occurring. We used extended behavioral observations, still photography, and video camera footage obtained during aircraft surveys in the Southern California Bight in 2008 – 2013 to characterize cetacean mother-calf interactions. Based on observations of four mother/calf pairs (two gray whale, Eschrichtius robustus, one fin whale, Balaenoptera physalus, and one blue whale, B. musculus) and one killer whale presumed mother/yearling pair (Orcinus orca), we describe bouts of nursing and calves riding on the backs of their presumed mothers, including activity duration, frequency, and relative body positioning. We conclude with specific definitions useful to wildlife conservation agencies authorizing and establishing restrictions to certain human activities when they might constitute behavioral disruptions. This article is open access and can be downloaded at: http://animalbehaviorandcognition.org/uploads/journals/14/01%20Smultea%20et%20al_HH(8)-final.pdf <http://animalbehaviorandcognition.org/uploads/journals/14/01%20Smultea%20et%20al_HH%288%29-final.pdf> We strongly encourage those with especially drone video and other data on cetacean-mother calf potential nursing, back riding etc. to build on this article to refine and quantify such critical parameters needed for conservation and management. Mari Smultea, PhD Chief Scientist/CEO Smultea Sciences (SES) m...@smulteasciences.com www.smulteasciences.com (707) 362-5376
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