Hi MARMAM community,
On behalf of my co-authors, I am happy to share our new publication in Aquatic
Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems, available at the following
link: https://doi.org/10.1002/aqc.3930
Mingming Liu, Mingli Lin, Songhai Li. (2023). Population distribution,
connectivity and differentiation of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins in Chinese
waters: Key baselines for improving conservation management. Aquatic
Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems. (early view)
Abstract: Humpback dolphins (Sousa spp.), throughout their distribution ranges,
are often designated as flagship species for coastal ecosystem conservation.
Most of the early research on humpback dolphins was carried out in Chinese
waters, and in the last two decades, numerous studies have provided abundant
conservation-valuable findings. In this study, a systematic review was
conducted to gain a comprehensive understanding of the distributional ecology
of humpback dolphins in Chinese waters, to establish an updated national
knowledge base about key conservation baselines on this flagship species.
Currently, there are at least eight main distribution areas of humpback
dolphins along the coast of southern China, representing a clear picture of
place-based conservation units. However, the overall biogeographical
distribution pattern is discontinuous, and existing marine protected areas are
far from sufficient to protect these key areas for the survival of humpback
dolphins. Based on the photo-identification technique, cross-matching of
humpback dolphin individuals revealed extremely low inter-population
connectivity among most of the known populations. Genetic studies suggested
that several examined populations have low haplotype diversity levels, with
limited inter-population gene flow. Morphological and behavioural evidence also
supports population differentiation among geographical locations. These
findings provide key baselines for the promotion of conservation management
initiatives for humpback dolphins in Chinese waters. All recognizable
geographical populations, together with each key habitat, should be considered
as independent conservation units. With small distribution areas, low genetic
diversity and unfavourable geographical isolation, several populations may be
at a high risk of regional extinction. A country-led scheme with cross-regional
collaboration is required for science-based, action-focused and timely
conservation efforts. Future conservation management initiatives should aim to
increase or at least maintain key habitats, inter-population connectivity,
population-level genetic diversity and effective population size.
Sincerely,
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Mingming Liu, PhD, Doctoral Research Fellow
Marine Mammal and Marine Bioacoustics Laboratory,
Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences
(IDSSE, CAS)
#28 Luhuitou Road, Sanya, 572000, China
TEL: +86-13976199641 ResearchGate
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One World, One Ocean. Let's protect our ocean.
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