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Pöyhönen V, Thomisch K, Kovacs KM, Lydersen C, Ahonen H. High Arctic "hotspots" for sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) off western and northern Svalbard, Norway, revealed by multi-year Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM). Sci Rep 2024; 14:5825. [PMID: 38461150 PMCID: PMC10924940 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56287-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite the well-documented, broad global distribution of sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus), their distributional patterns remain poorly known in Arctic regions, where year-round monitoring is challenging. Adult male sperm whales are known to migrate seasonally between nutrient-rich high latitude waters and low latitude breeding grounds. However, knowledge is limited regarding fine-scale distribution and seasonal presence at high latitudes. To investigate the acoustic occurrence of this vocally active species in the High Arctic of the Northeast Atlantic, this study combined automated and manual click detection methods to analyze passive acoustic data collected at eight locations around the Svalbard Archipelago, Norway, between 2012 and 2021. The results revealed the presence of sperm whales at six recording sites and demonstrated sperm whale "hotspots" in ice-free areas in eastern Fram Strait along the shelf break and close to the west coast of Spitsbergen from May-January, with some variation between years and locations. Although acoustic presence decreased with increasing latitude, even the northern-most location (81° N) recorded sperm whale vocal activity between August and January. This study provides a baseline for sperm whale acoustic presence in the High Arctic, which will be essential in the context of detecting future changes and also for predicting future distribution patterns in the rapidly changing Arctic marine environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viivi Pöyhönen
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, 9296, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Karolin Thomisch
- Ocean Acoustics Group of the Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, 27570, Bremerhaven, Germany
| | - Kit M Kovacs
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, 9296, Tromsø, Norway
| | | | - Heidi Ahonen
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, 9296, Tromsø, Norway.
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Life History Traits of Sperm Whales Physeter macrocephalus Linnaeus, 1758 Stranded along Italian Coasts (Cetartiodactyla: Physeteridae). Animals (Basel) 2022; 13:ani13010079. [PMID: 36611689 PMCID: PMC9817511 DOI: 10.3390/ani13010079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated the relationship between age and body length, and age at sexual maturity of Physeter macrocephalus individuals stranded along the Italian coast. Our molecular analysis shows that all our samples belong to the C.001.002 haplotype, shared between Atlantic and Mediterranean populations. We show that males attain sexual maturity at 10 years, similar to those from other marine areas. However, considering the same body length class, Mediterranean males are older than Atlantic ones. Our finding of a Mediterranean pregnant female of only 6.5 m in length and an assessed age of 24-26 years is particularly noteworthy, considering that females reach sexual maturity at about 9 years and 9 m of total length in other regions. Comparing our results with the literature data, we highlight the positive correlation between lifespan, adult body length and weight of males from the Mediterranean and Atlantic Ocean. Regardless of whether the relatively small size of Mediterranean specimens is a consequence of an inbreeding depression or an adaptation to less favorable trophic conditions, we recommend to closely monitor this population from a conservation perspective. In fact, its low genetic diversity likely corresponds to a relatively limited ability to respond to environmental changes compared with other populations.
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Durante CA, Loizaga R, McCracken GR, Crespo EA, Ruzzante DE. Commerson's dolphin population structure: evidence for female phylopatry and male dispersal. Sci Rep 2022; 12:22219. [PMID: 36564404 PMCID: PMC9789068 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-26192-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
A key in species conservation is understanding the amount and distribution of genetic diversity and how environmental changes that occurred in the recent past may have influenced current patterns of population structure. Commerson's dolphin, Cephalorhynchus commersonii, has two subspecies, one of which is endemic to South America (C. commersonii commersonii) and little is known about its population genetics. Our objective was to investigate the population genetics of this subspecies throughout its distribution. Using 70 skin samples and information available in GenBank, 308 mitochondrial DNA sequences and 28 species-specific microsatellites were analyzed. The species presented low genetic diversity when compared to other dolphin species, but was consistent with other species within the genus. Strong population structure based on mitochondrial DNA was exhibited throughout its entire distribution, a pattern consistent with female philopatry. However, this pattern was not detected when using microsatellites, suggesting male-mediated gene flow. Demographic tests suggested a population expansion beginning approximately 15,000 years ago, after the Last Glacial Maximum. In a climate change scenario, we recommended considering each sampling location as an independent population management unit in order to evaluate the impact of possible environmental changes on the distribution of genetic information within the species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristian Alberto Durante
- Laboratorio de Mamíferos Marinos, Centro Para El Estudio de Sistemas Marinos (CESIMAR) - CONICET, Bv. Brown 2915, U9120ACD Puerto Madryn, Chubut, Argentina.
- Universidad Nacional del Comahue, San Carlos de Bariloche, Rio Negro, Argentina.
| | - Rocio Loizaga
- Laboratorio de Mamíferos Marinos, Centro Para El Estudio de Sistemas Marinos (CESIMAR) - CONICET, Bv. Brown 2915, U9120ACD Puerto Madryn, Chubut, Argentina
| | | | - Enrique Alberto Crespo
- Laboratorio de Mamíferos Marinos, Centro Para El Estudio de Sistemas Marinos (CESIMAR) - CONICET, Bv. Brown 2915, U9120ACD Puerto Madryn, Chubut, Argentina
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Solomando A, Pujol F, Sureda A, Pinya S. Evaluating the Presence of Marine Litter in Cetaceans Stranded in the Balearic Islands (Western Mediterranean Sea). BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11101468. [PMID: 36290372 PMCID: PMC9598389 DOI: 10.3390/biology11101468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The global distribution and presence of plastic, at all levels of the water column, has made plastic debris one of today's greatest environmental challenges. The ingestion and entanglement of plastic-containing marine debris has been documented in more than 60% of all cetacean species. In light of the increasing pressure on cetaceans, and the diversity of factors that they face, the aim of this work is to provide evidence of the impact of plastic debris on stranded cetaceans, in terms of ingestion and entanglement, in the Balearic Islands for the first-time. Detailed examinations, necropsies, and plastic debris analysis were performed on 30 of the 108 cetaceans stranded between 2019 and 2022. Specimens belonging to five different species, Stenella coeruleoalba, Tursiops truncatus, Grampus griseus, Balaenoptera physalus, and Physeter macrocephalus, were evaluated. Ten percent of the cetaceans (N = 3) presented plastic debris in their stomach, with one case of obstruction and perforation. Fishery gear fragments (ropes and nets) were found in two adults of T. truncatus, whereas packaging debris (plastic bag, packing straps, and plastic sheets) were found in a juvenile P. macrocephalus. Plastic items analysed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) reported three polymer types: polypropylene, polyamide, and high-density polypropylene. A total of seven cases of entanglement were recorded during the study, affecting four different species (S. coeruleoalba, T. truncatus, P. macrocephalus, and Megaptera novaeangliae). Only two individuals were freed from the nets, although one died after a week, whereas the rest were already found dead. In conclusion, data collected in the present study provided evidence of plastic ingestion and entanglement in cetaceans of the Balearic Islands for the first-time, thus highlighting the need for the regular examination of stranded cetaceans (as they are top predators) in future research to better understand the effects of these pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antònia Solomando
- Research Group in Community Nutrition and Oxidative Stress, University of Balearic Islands, E-07122 Palma de Mallorca, Spain
- Interdisciplinary Ecology Group, Department of Biology, University of the Balearic Islands, E-07122 Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Francisca Pujol
- Palma Aquarium Foundation, Carrer Manuela de los Herreros i Sorà 21, E-07610 Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Antoni Sureda
- Research Group in Community Nutrition and Oxidative Stress, University of Balearic Islands, E-07122 Palma de Mallorca, Spain
- Health Research Institute of Balearic Islands (IdISBa), E-07120 Palma de Mallorca, Spain
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), E-28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-971172820
| | - Samuel Pinya
- Interdisciplinary Ecology Group, Department of Biology, University of the Balearic Islands, E-07122 Palma de Mallorca, Spain
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Torreblanca E, Báez JC, Real R, Macías D, García-Barcelona S, Ferri-Yañez F, Camiñas JA. Factors associated with the differential distribution of cetaceans linked with deep habitats in the Western Mediterranean Sea. Sci Rep 2022; 12:12918. [PMID: 35902622 PMCID: PMC9334643 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-14369-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Deep-habitat cetaceans are generally difficult to study, leading to a limited knowledge of their population. This paper assesses the differential distribution patterns of three deep-habitat cetaceans (Sperm whale—Physeter macrocephalus, Risso’s dolphin—Grampus griseus & Cuvier’s beaked whale—Ziphius cavirostris). We used data of 842 opportunistic sightings of cetaceans in the western Mediterranean sea. We inferred environmental and spatio-temporal factors that affect their distribution. Binary logistic regression models were generated to compare the presence of deep-habitat cetaceans with the presence of other cetacean species in the dataset. Then, the favourability function was applied, allowing for comparison between all the models. Sperm whale and Risso’s dolphin presence was differentially favoured by the distance to towns in the eastern part of the western Mediterranean sea. The differential distribution of sperm whale was also influenced by the stability of SST, and that of the Risso’s dolphin by lower mean salinity and higher mean Chlorophyll A concentration. When modelling the three deep-habitat cetaceans (including Cuvier’s beaked whale), the variable distance to towns had a negative influence on the presence of any of them more than it did to other cetaceans, being more favourable far from towns, so this issue should be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estefanía Torreblanca
- Departamento de Biología Animal, Biogeography, Diversity, and Conservation Research Team, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, Malaga, Spain.
| | - José-Carlos Báez
- Centro Oceanográfico de Málaga, Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Fuengirola, Spain.,Instituto Iberoamericano de Desarrollo Sostenible (IIDS), Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Av. Alemania 1090. Temuco 4810101, Región de la Araucanía, Chile
| | - Raimundo Real
- Departamento de Biología Animal, Biogeography, Diversity, and Conservation Research Team, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, Malaga, Spain
| | - David Macías
- Centro Oceanográfico de Málaga, Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Fuengirola, Spain
| | | | | | - Juan-Antonio Camiñas
- Academia Malagueña de Ciencias, Malaga, Spain.,Asociación Herpetológica Española, Madrid, Spain
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Blasi MF, Caserta V, Bruno C, Salzeri P, Di Paola AI, Lucchetti A. Behaviour and vocalizations of two sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) entangled in illegal driftnets in the Mediterranean Sea. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0250888. [PMID: 33914839 PMCID: PMC8084192 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0250888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Illegal driftnetting causes each year several entanglements and deaths of sperm whales in different Mediterranean areas, primarily in the Tyrrhenian Sea. In summer 2020, during the June-July fishing season, two sperm whales were found entangled in illegal driftnets in the Aeolian Archipelago waters, Southern Italy. These two rare events were an exceptional chance to collect behavioural and acoustics data about entangled sperm whales. We analysed 1132 one-minute sets of breathing/behavioural data and 1575 minutes of acoustic recording, when the whales were found entangled, during the rescue operation, immediately after release, and in the days thereafter. The first whale was generally quiet showing a general status of debilitation/weakness, numerous skin lesions, and low breathing rate (0.31 (0.60)); it collaborated during rescue operations. On the contrary, the second whale showed a high level of agitation with a high breathing rate (1.48 (1.31)) during both the entanglement period and the net cutting operations, vigorously moving its fluke and pectoral fins, opening its mouth, sideway rolling or side fluking and frequently defecating. Acoustically, the first whale produced mainly single clicks in all phases except for two series of creaks during rescuing operations while the second whale produced a wide range of vocalizations (single clicks, likely either slow clicks or regular clicks, creaks, and codas). Our observations indicate that acoustics, respiratory and behavioural parameters may be useful to monitor the physical/physiological status of sperm whales during disentanglement operations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Francesca Blasi
- Filicudi WildLife Conservation, Località Stimpagnato, Filicudi, Lipari (ME), Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Valentina Caserta
- Filicudi WildLife Conservation, Località Stimpagnato, Filicudi, Lipari (ME), Italy
| | - Chiara Bruno
- Filicudi WildLife Conservation, Località Stimpagnato, Filicudi, Lipari (ME), Italy
| | - Perla Salzeri
- Filicudi WildLife Conservation, Località Stimpagnato, Filicudi, Lipari (ME), Italy
| | - Agata Irene Di Paola
- Filicudi WildLife Conservation, Località Stimpagnato, Filicudi, Lipari (ME), Italy
| | - Alessandro Lucchetti
- Centro Nazionale Ricerca - Istituto per le Risorse Biologiche e le Biotecnologie Marine (CNR-IRBBM), Ancona, Italy
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7
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Pace DS, Di Marco C, Giacomini G, Ferri S, Silvestri M, Papale E, Casoli E, Ventura D, Mingione M, Alaimo Di Loro P, Jona Lasinio G, Ardizzone G. Capitoline Dolphins: Residency Patterns and Abundance Estimate of Tursiops truncatus at the Tiber River Estuary (Mediterranean Sea). BIOLOGY 2021; 10:275. [PMID: 33800538 PMCID: PMC8066396 DOI: 10.3390/biology10040275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Periodic assessments of population status and trends to detect natural influences and human effects on coastal dolphin are often limited by lack of baseline information. Here, we investigated for the first time the site-fidelity patterns and estimated the population size of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) at the Tiber River estuary (central Mediterranean, Tyrrhenian Sea, Rome, Italy) between 2017 and 2020. We used photo-identification data and site-fidelity metrics to study the tendency of dolphins to remain in, or return to, the study area, and capture-recapture models to estimate the population abundance. In all, 347 unique individuals were identified. The hierarchical cluster analysis highlighted 3 clusters, labeled resident (individuals encountered at least five times, in three different months, over three distinct years; n = 42), part-time (individuals encountered at least on two occasions in a month, in at least two different years; n = 73), and transient (individuals encountered on more than one occasion, in more than 1 month, none of them in more than 1 year; n = 232), each characterized by site-fidelity metrics. Open POPAN modeling estimated a population size of 529 individuals (95% CI: 456-614), showing that the Capitoline (Roman) coastal area and nearby regions surrounding the Tiber River estuary represent an important, suitable habitat for bottlenose dolphins, despite their proximity to one of the major urban centers in the world (the city of Rome). Given the high number of individuals in the area and the presence of resident individuals with strong site fidelity, we suggest that conservation plans should not be focused only close to the Tiber River mouths but extended to cover a broader scale of area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Silvia Pace
- Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (C.D.M.); (G.G.); (S.F.); (M.S.); (E.C.); (D.V.); (G.A.)
| | - Chiara Di Marco
- Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (C.D.M.); (G.G.); (S.F.); (M.S.); (E.C.); (D.V.); (G.A.)
| | - Giancarlo Giacomini
- Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (C.D.M.); (G.G.); (S.F.); (M.S.); (E.C.); (D.V.); (G.A.)
| | - Sara Ferri
- Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (C.D.M.); (G.G.); (S.F.); (M.S.); (E.C.); (D.V.); (G.A.)
| | - Margherita Silvestri
- Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (C.D.M.); (G.G.); (S.F.); (M.S.); (E.C.); (D.V.); (G.A.)
| | - Elena Papale
- CNR-IAS, Campobello di Mazara, 91021 Trapani, Italy;
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Torino, 10123 Torino, Italy
| | - Edoardo Casoli
- Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (C.D.M.); (G.G.); (S.F.); (M.S.); (E.C.); (D.V.); (G.A.)
| | - Daniele Ventura
- Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (C.D.M.); (G.G.); (S.F.); (M.S.); (E.C.); (D.V.); (G.A.)
| | - Marco Mingione
- Department of Statistical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (P.A.D.L.); (G.J.L.)
| | - Pierfrancesco Alaimo Di Loro
- Department of Statistical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (P.A.D.L.); (G.J.L.)
| | - Giovanna Jona Lasinio
- Department of Statistical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (P.A.D.L.); (G.J.L.)
| | - Giandomenico Ardizzone
- Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (C.D.M.); (G.G.); (S.F.); (M.S.); (E.C.); (D.V.); (G.A.)
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Sarano F, Girardet J, Sarano V, Vitry H, Preud'homme A, Heuzey R, Garcia-Cegarra AM, Madon B, Delfour F, Glotin H, Adam O, Jung JL. Kin relationships in cultural species of the marine realm: case study of a matrilineal social group of sperm whales off Mauritius island, Indian Ocean. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2021; 8:201794. [PMID: 33972866 PMCID: PMC8074673 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.201794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the organization and dynamics of social groups of marine mammals through the study of kin relationships is particularly challenging. Here, we studied a stable social group of sperm whales off Mauritius, using underwater observations, individual-specific identification, non-invasive sampling and genetic analyses based on mitochondrial sequencing and microsatellite profiling. Twenty-four sperm whales were sampled between 2017 and 2019. All individuals except one adult female shared the same mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplotype-one that is rare in the western Indian Ocean-thus confirming with near certainty the matrilineality of the group. All probable first- and second-degree kin relationships were depicted in the sperm whale social group: 13 first-degree and 27 second-degree relationships were identified. Notably, we highlight the likely case of an unrelated female having been integrated into a social unit, in that she presented a distinct mtDNA haplotype and no close relationships with any members of the group. Investigating the possible matrilineality of sperm whale cultural units (i.e. vocal clans) is the next step in our research programme to elucidate and better apprehend the complex organization of sperm whale social groups.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Justine Girardet
- Université de Brest, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, ISYEB, Brest, France
| | | | - Hugues Vitry
- Marine Megafauna Conservation Organisation, Mauritius
| | | | | | - Ana M. Garcia-Cegarra
- Centro de Investigación de Fauna Marina y Avistamiento de Cetáceos, CIFAMAC, Mejillones, Chile
- Departamento de Ciencias Básicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Santo Tomás, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Bénédicte Madon
- Université de Brest, AMURE - Aménagement des Usages des Ressources et des Espaces marins et littoraux - Centre de droit et d'économie de la mer, Plouzané, France
| | - Fabienne Delfour
- Laboratoire d'Ethologie Expérimentale et Comparée EA 4443, Université Paris 13, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Villetaneuse, France
| | - Hervé Glotin
- Toulon University, Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, LIS, DYNI Team, Marseille, France
| | - Olivier Adam
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Institut Jean Le Rond d'Alembert, UMR 7190, Paris, France
- Institute of Neurosciences Paris-Saclay, Bioacoustics Team, CNRS UMR 9197, Université Paris Sud, Orsay, France
| | - Jean-Luc Jung
- Université de Brest, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, ISYEB, Brest, France
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9
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Chambault P, Fossette S, Heide‐Jørgensen MP, Jouannet D, Vély M. Predicting seasonal movements and distribution of the sperm whale using machine learning algorithms. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:1432-1445. [PMID: 33598142 PMCID: PMC7863674 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Implementation of effective conservation planning relies on a robust understanding of the spatiotemporal distribution of the target species. In the marine realm, this is even more challenging for species rarely seen at the sea surface due to their extreme diving behavior like the sperm whales. Our study aims at (a) investigating the seasonal movements, (b) predicting the potential distribution, and (c) assessing the diel vertical behavior of this species in the Mascarene Archipelago in the south-west Indian Ocean. Using 21 satellite tracks of sperm whales and eight environmental predictors, 14 supervised machine learning algorithms were tested and compared to predict the whales' potential distribution during the wet and dry season, separately. Fourteen of the whales remained in close proximity to Mauritius, while a migratory pattern was evidenced with a synchronized departure for eight females that headed towards Rodrigues Island. The best performing algorithm was the random forest, showing a strong affinity of the whales for sea surface height during the wet season and for bottom temperature during the dry season. A more dispersed distribution was predicted during the wet season, whereas a more restricted distribution to Mauritius and Reunion waters was found during the dry season, probably related to the breeding period. A diel pattern was observed in the diving behavior, likely following the vertical migration of squids. The results of our study fill a knowledge gap regarding seasonal movements and habitat affinities of this vulnerable species, for which a regional IUCN assessment is still missing in the Indian Ocean. Our findings also confirm the great potential of machine learning algorithms in conservation planning and provide highly reproductible tools to support dynamic ocean management.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sabrina Fossette
- Biodiversity and Conservation ScienceDepartment of Biodiversity, Conservation and AttractionsKensingtonWAAustralia
| | | | - Daniel Jouannet
- MegapteraParisFrance
- EXAGONE réseau TERIAVitry‐sur‐SeineFrance
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10
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Distribution of genetic diversity reveals colonization patterns and philopatry of the loggerhead sea turtles across geographic scales. Sci Rep 2020; 10:18001. [PMID: 33093463 PMCID: PMC7583243 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-74141-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the processes that underlie the current distribution of genetic diversity in endangered species is a goal of modern conservation biology. Specifically, the role of colonization and dispersal events throughout a species' evolutionary history often remains elusive. The loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) faces multiple conservation challenges due to its migratory nature and philopatric behaviour. Here, using 4207 mtDNA sequences, we analysed the colonisation patterns and distribution of genetic diversity within a major ocean basin (the Atlantic), a regional rookery (Cabo Verde Archipelago) and a local island (Island of Boa Vista, Cabo Verde). Data analysis using hypothesis-driven population genetic models suggests the colonization of the Atlantic has occurred in two distinct waves, each corresponding to a major mtDNA lineage. We propose the oldest lineage entered the basin via the isthmus of Panama and sequentially established aggregations in Brazil, Cabo Verde and in the area of USA and Mexico. The second lineage entered the Atlantic via the Cape of Good Hope, establishing colonies in the Mediterranean Sea, and from then on, re-colonized the already existing rookeries of the Atlantic. At the Cabo Verde level, we reveal an asymmetric gene flow maintaining links across island-specific nesting groups, despite significant genetic structure. This structure stems from female philopatric behaviours, which could further be detected by weak but significant differentiation amongst beaches separated by only a few kilometres on the island of Boa Vista. Exploring biogeographic processes at diverse geographic scales improves our understanding of the complex evolutionary history of highly migratory philopatric species. Unveiling the past facilitates the design of conservation programmes targeting the right management scale to maintain a species' evolutionary potential.
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Characterization of 25 new microsatellite markers for the fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) and cross-species amplification in other cetaceans. Mol Biol Rep 2020; 47:6983-6996. [PMID: 32893317 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-020-05757-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Cetaceans are large mammals widely distributed on Earth. The fin whale, Balaenoptera physalus, is the second largest living animal. In the 20th century, commercial whaling reduced its global population by 70%, and in the Mediterranean Sea not only was their overall population depleted but the migration between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean was reduced. Previous genetic studies identified isolation between these two regions, with a limited gene-flow between these adjacent populations based on nuclear and mitochondrial markers. However, only limited information exists for the Mediterranean population as genetic diversity and abundance trends are still unknown. In this study, 39 highly polymorphic microsatellite markers were tested, including 25 markers developed de novo together with 14 markers previously published. An average allelic diversity of 8.3 alleles per locus was reported, ranging from 3 to 15 alleles per locus, for B. physalus. Expected heterozygosity was variable among loci and ranged from 0.34 to 0.91. Only two markers in the new set were significantly deviant from the Hardy Weinberg equilibrium. Cross-species amplification was tested in four other cetacean species. A total of 27 markers were successfully amplified in the four species (Balaenoptera acutorostrata, Megaptera novaeangliae, Physeter macrocephalus and Globicephala melas). A multivariate analysis on the multilocus genotypes successfully discriminated the five species. This new set of microsatellite markers will not only provide a useful tool to identify and understand the genetic diversity and the evolution of the B. physalus population, but it will also be relevant for other cetacean species, and will allow further parentage analyses. Eventually, this new set of microsatellite markers will provide critical data that will shed light on important biological data within a conservation perspective.
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12
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Cauchy P, Heywood KJ, Risch D, Merchant ND, Queste BY, Testor P. Sperm whale presence observed using passive acoustic monitoring from gliders of opportunity. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2020. [DOI: 10.3354/esr01044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Habitat use by the endangered Mediterranean sperm whale subpopulation remains poorly understood, especially in winter. The sustained presence of oceanographic autonomous underwater vehicles in the area presents an opportunity to improve observation effort, enabling collection of valuable sperm whale distribution data, which may be crucial to their conservation. Passive acoustic monitoring loggers were deployed on vertically profiling oceanographic gliders surveying the north-western Mediterranean Sea during winter 2012-2013 and June 2014. Sperm whale echolocation ‘usual click’ trains, characteristic of foraging activity, were detected and classified from the recordings, providing information about the presence of sperm whales along the glider tracks. Widespread presence of sperm whales in the north-western Mediterranean Sea was confirmed. Winter observations suggest different foraging strategies between the Ligurian Sea, where mobile and scattered individuals forage at all times of day, and the Gulf of Lion, where larger aggregations target intense oceanographic features in the open ocean such as fronts and mixing events, with reduced acoustic presence at dawn. This study demonstrates the ability to successfully observe sperm whale behaviour from passive acoustic monitoring gliders. We identified possible mission design changes to optimize data collected from passive acoustic monitoring glider surveys and significantly improve sperm whale population monitoring and habitat use.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Cauchy
- Centre for Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Lowestoft NR33 0HT, UK
| | - KJ Heywood
- Centre for Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - D Risch
- Scottish Association for Marine Science, Scottish Marine Institute, Oban, Argyll PA37 1QA, UK
| | - ND Merchant
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Lowestoft NR33 0HT, UK
| | - BY Queste
- Centre for Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Gothenburg (UGOT), 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - P Testor
- CNRS-Sorbonne Universités (UPMC Univ. Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris 06)-CNRS-IRD-MNHN, UMR 7159, Laboratoire d’Océanographie et de Climatologie (LOCEAN), Institut Pierre Simon Laplace (IPSL), Observatoire Ecce Terra, 75005 Paris, France
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13
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Gauffier P, Borrell A, Silva MA, Víkingsson GA, López A, Giménez J, Colaço A, Halldórsson SD, Vighi M, Prieto R, de Stephanis R, Aguilar A. Wait your turn, North Atlantic fin whales share a common feeding ground sequentially. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 155:104884. [PMID: 32072986 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2020.104884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Revised: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Highly migratory marine species pose a challenge for the identification of management units due to the absence of clear oceanographic barriers. The population structure of North Atlantic fin whales has been investigated since the start of whaling operations but is still the subject of an ongoing scientific debate. Here we measured stable isotopes of carbon, nitrogen and oxygen in skin samples collected from 151 individuals from western Iceland, Galicia (NW Spain), the Azores archipelago and the Strait of Gibraltar (SoG). We found spatiotemporal differences in stable isotope ratios suggesting that fin whales sampled in these four areas may share a common feeding ground within the Northeast Atlantic at different times during the year. Our results also suggest that SoG whales use this common feeding ground in summer but exploit Mediterranean resources during the winter months, further supporting the existence of a limited but current exchange of individuals between these two basins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Gauffier
- CIRCE, Cabeza de Manzaneda, 3, 11390, Pelayo, Algeciras, Spain; Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, IRBio, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, 08028, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Asunción Borrell
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, IRBio, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mónica A Silva
- Okeanos Centre & Institute of Marine Research (IMAR), University of the Azores, 9901-862, Horta, Portugal; Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA, 02543, USA
| | - Gísli A Víkingsson
- Marine and Freshwater Research Institute, Skúlagata 4, 101, Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - Alfredo López
- Departamento de Biologia & CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal; Coordinadora para o Estudo dos Mamíferos Mariños (CEMMA), P.O. Box 15, 36380, Pontevedra, Gondomar, Spain
| | - Joan Giménez
- Institut de Ciències del Mar (ICM-CSIC), Passeig Maritim 37-49, 08003, Barcelona, Spain; MaREI Centre for Marine and Renewable Energy, Environmental Research Institute, Beaufort Building, University College Cork, Ringaskiddy, P43 C573 Cork, Ireland; School of Biological, Earth, and Environmental Sciences (BEES), University College Cork, Distillery Fields, North Mall, T23 N73K Cork, Ireland
| | - Ana Colaço
- Okeanos Centre & Institute of Marine Research (IMAR), University of the Azores, 9901-862, Horta, Portugal
| | | | - Morgana Vighi
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, IRBio, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rui Prieto
- Okeanos Centre & Institute of Marine Research (IMAR), University of the Azores, 9901-862, Horta, Portugal; MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre and IMAR, Institute of Marine Research, University of the Azores, 9901-862, Horta, Portugal
| | - Renaud de Stephanis
- CIRCE, Cabeza de Manzaneda, 3, 11390, Pelayo, Algeciras, Spain; Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Centro Oceanográfico de Málaga, Puerto Pesquero s/n, 29640 Fuengirola, Málaga, Spain
| | - Alex Aguilar
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, IRBio, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
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14
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Wang W, Li J, Wang H, Ran Y, Wu H. Genetic evidence reveals male‐biased dispersal of the Omei tree frog. J Zool (1987) 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/jzo.12749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- W. Wang
- Institute of Evolution and Ecology School of Life Sciences Central China Normal University Wuhan China
| | - J. Li
- Institute of Evolution and Ecology School of Life Sciences Central China Normal University Wuhan China
| | - H. Wang
- Institute of Evolution and Ecology School of Life Sciences Central China Normal University Wuhan China
| | - Y. Ran
- Institute of Evolution and Ecology School of Life Sciences Central China Normal University Wuhan China
| | - H. Wu
- Institute of Evolution and Ecology School of Life Sciences Central China Normal University Wuhan China
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15
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Richard G, Titova OV, Fedutin ID, Steel D, Meschersky IG, Hautin M, Burdin AM, Hoyt E, Filatova OA, Jung JL. Cultural Transmission of Fine-Scale Fidelity to Feeding Sites May Shape Humpback Whale Genetic Diversity in Russian Pacific Waters. J Hered 2019; 109:724-734. [PMID: 30184088 DOI: 10.1093/jhered/esy033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2018] [Accepted: 03/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) differences between humpback whales on different feeding grounds can reflect the cultural transmission of migration destinations over generations, and therefore represent one of the very few cases of gene-culture coevolution identified in the animal kingdom. In Russian Pacific waters, photo-identification (photo-ID) studies have shown minimal interchange between whales feeding off the Commander Islands and those feeding in the Karaginsky Gulf, regions that are separated by only 500 km and have previously been lumped together as a single Russian feeding ground. Here, we assessed whether genetic differentiation exists between these 2 groups of humpback whales. We discovered a strong mtDNA differentiation between the 2 feeding sites (FST = 0.18, ΦST = 0.14, P < 0.001). In contrast, nuclear DNA (nuDNA) polymorphisms, determined at 8 microsatellite loci, did not reveal any differentiation. Comparing our mtDNA results with those from a previous ocean-basin study reinforced the differences between the 2 feeding sites. Humpback whales from the Commanders appeared most similar to those of the western Gulf of Alaska and the Aleutian feeding grounds, whereas Karaginsky differed from all other North Pacific feeding grounds. Comparison to breeding grounds suggests mixed origins for the 2 feeding sites; there are likely connections between Karaginsky and the Philippines and to a lesser extent to Okinawa, Japan, whereas the Commanders are linked to the Mexican breeding grounds. The mtDNA differentiation between the Commander Islands and Karaginsky Gulf suggests a case of gene-culture coevolution, correlated to fidelity to a specific feeding site within a particular feeding ground. From a conservation perspective, our findings emphasize the importance of considering these 2 feeding sites as separate management units.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaëtan Richard
- Laboratoire BioGeMME (Biologie et Génétique des Mammifères Marins dans leur Environnement), Université de Bretagne Occidentale, Brest, France.,Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, France
| | - Olga V Titova
- Kamchatka Branch of the Pacific Geographical Institute, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Russia
| | - Ivan D Fedutin
- Kamchatka Branch of the Pacific Geographical Institute, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Russia.,Faculty of Biology, Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Debbie Steel
- Marine Mammal Institute and Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State University, Newport, Oregon, USA
| | | | - Marie Hautin
- Laboratoire BioGeMME (Biologie et Génétique des Mammifères Marins dans leur Environnement), Université de Bretagne Occidentale, Brest, France
| | - Alexander M Burdin
- Laboratoire BioGeMME (Biologie et Génétique des Mammifères Marins dans leur Environnement), Université de Bretagne Occidentale, Brest, France.,Kamchatka Branch of the Pacific Geographical Institute, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Russia
| | - Erich Hoyt
- Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC), Park House, Allington Park, Bridport, Dorset, UK
| | | | - Jean-Luc Jung
- Laboratoire BioGeMME (Biologie et Génétique des Mammifères Marins dans leur Environnement), Université de Bretagne Occidentale, Brest, France
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16
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Gürün K, Furman A, Juste J, Ramos Pereira MJ, Palmeirim JM, Puechmaille SJ, Hulva P, Presetnik P, Hamidovic D, Ibáñez C, Karataş A, Allegrini B, Georgiakakis P, Scaravelli D, Uhrin M, Nicolaou H, Abi-Said MR, Nagy ZL, Gazaryan S, Bilgin R. A continent-scale study of the social structure and phylogeography of the bent-wing bat, Miniopterus schreibersii (Mammalia: Chiroptera), using new microsatellite data. J Mammal 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyz153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractMiniopterus schreibersii is a cave-dwelling bat species with a wide distribution in the western Palearctic spanning southern and central Europe, North Africa, Anatolia, the Middle East, and the Caucasus. We investigated the social structure and its effects on the genetic makeup of this species, using 10 nuclear microsatellite markers and a partial fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene. Samples were examined from the species' entire circum-Mediterranean range. Local structuring that was previously detected among populations of M. schreibersii using mitochondrial markers was not observed for microsatellite markers, indicating male-biased dispersal for the species. Some support was found for postglacial expansions in Europe, with Anatolia potentially acting as the primary refugium during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). However, support for this hypothesis is not as strong as that previously detected using mitochondrial DNA markers. This is likely due to the diminishing effect of male-mediated dispersal, replenishing the nuclear diversity faster than the mitochondrial diversity in regions that are relatively far from the glacial refugia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanat Gürün
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Boğaziçi University, Bebek, Istanbul 34342, Turkey
| | - Andrzej Furman
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Boğaziçi University, Bebek, Istanbul 34342, Turkey
| | - Javier Juste
- Estación Biológica de Doñana (CSIC), Avda. Américo Vespucio s/n, Seville 41092, Spain
| | - Maria J Ramos Pereira
- CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid 28029, Spain
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Biosciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Wildlife Research Unit, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Jorge M Palmeirim
- Center for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Change, Dept. Biologia Animal, Faculdade de Ciencias, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Sebastien J Puechmaille
- University College Dublin, School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
- Zoology Institute, University of Greifswald, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
- Chauves-souris Aveyron (CSA), 12310, Vimenet, France
| | - Pavel Hulva
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Viničná 7, CZ-128 44 Praha 2, Czech Republic
- Department of Biology and Ecology, University of Ostrava, Chittussiho 10, 710 00 Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Primoz Presetnik
- Centre for Cartography of Fauna and Flora, Ljubljana Office, Klunova 3, SI-1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Daniela Hamidovic
- Croatian Biospeleological Society, Zagreb, Demetrova 1, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Carlos Ibáñez
- Estación Biológica de Doñana (CSIC), Avda. Américo Vespucio s/n, Seville 41092, Spain
| | - Ahmet Karataş
- Department of Biology, Niğde University, Niğde 51100, Turkey
| | | | - Panagiotis Georgiakakis
- Natural History Museum of Crete, University of Crete, Knossos Ave., P.O. Box: 2208, GR71 409 Irakleion, Crete, Greece
| | - Dino Scaravelli
- Department Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064 Ozzano dell'Emilia (BO), Italy
| | - Marcel Uhrin
- Institute of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, Moyzesova 11, SK-040 01 Košice, Slovakia
- Department of Forest Protection and Wildlife Management, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Kamycká 1176, 165 21 Praha 6, Czech Republic
| | - Haris Nicolaou
- Parks and Environment Sector, Forestry Department, Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment, 1414 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Mounir R Abi-Said
- Animal Encounter, Aley, Lebanon
- Faculty of Sciences II, Lebanese University, Al Fanar, 90656 Jdeidet, Lebanon
| | | | - Suren Gazaryan
- Institute of Ecology of Mountain Territories RAS, Armand 37A360000, Nalchik, Russia
| | - Raşit Bilgin
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Boğaziçi University, Bebek, Istanbul 34342, Turkey
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17
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Beale CS, Stewart JD, Setyawan E, Sianipar AB, Erdmann MV. Population dynamics of oceanic manta rays (
Mobula birostris
) in the Raja Ampat Archipelago, West Papua, Indonesia, and the impacts of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation on their movement ecology. DIVERS DISTRIB 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.12962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Calvin S. Beale
- Misool Manta Project Sorong Indonesia
- The Manta Trust Dorchester UK
| | - Joshua D. Stewart
- The Manta Trust Dorchester UK
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography UC San Diego La Jolla California
| | - Edy Setyawan
- The Manta Trust Dorchester UK
- Sea Sanctuaries Trust London UK
| | | | - Mark V. Erdmann
- Conservation International Indonesia Marine Program Bali Indonesia
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18
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Chua MAH, Lane DJW, Ooi SK, Tay SHX, Kubodera T. Diet and mitochondrial DNA haplotype of a sperm whale ( Physeter macrocephalus) found dead off Jurong Island, Singapore. PeerJ 2019; 7:e6705. [PMID: 30984481 PMCID: PMC6452849 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.6705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2018] [Accepted: 03/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite numerous studies across the large geographic range of the sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus), little is known about the diet and mitochondrial DNA haplotypes of this strongly female philopatric species in waters off Southeast Asia. A female sperm whale found dead in Singapore waters provided the opportunity to study her diet and mitochondrial DNA haplotype. Here we report on the identification of stomach contents and mitochondrial DNA haplotype of this individual, and we include coastal hydrodynamic modelling to determine the possible geographic origin of the whale. At least 28 species of prey were eaten by this adult female whale, most of which were cephalopods. The mesopelagic squids Taonius pavo, Histioteuthis pacifica, Chiroteuthis imperator,and Ancistrocheirus lesueurii made up over 65% of the whale's stomach contents. Plastic debris was also found in the whale's stomach. Based on the diet, genetics, and coastal hydrodynamic modelling that suggest an easterly drift of the whale carcass over several days, the dead sperm whale in Singapore probably originated from a pod in the Southern Indian Ocean. This study provides an increase in the understanding the diet and natural history of the sperm whale in Southeast Asia. The combined analyses of stomach contents, DNA, and hydrodynamic modeling could provide a context to future studies on the sperm whale strandings, and have broader applicability for other marine mammals in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus A H Chua
- Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Environmental Science and Policy, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, United States of America
| | - David J W Lane
- Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Seng Keat Ooi
- Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Serene H X Tay
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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19
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Bartalini A, Muñoz-Arnanz J, Marsili L, Mazzariol S, Fossi MC, Jiménez B. Evaluation of PCDD/Fs, dioxin-like PCBs and PBDEs in sperm whales from the Mediterranean Sea. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 653:1417-1425. [PMID: 30759580 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.10.436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Revised: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 10/31/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Numerous studies to date have reported concentrations of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in different marine mammal species worldwide. Yet data on sperm whales are scarce from rich and unique biodiverse areas such as the Mediterranean Sea. This work aimed to assess levels of dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dl-PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and polychlorodibenzo-p-dioxins and furans (PCDD/Fs) in blubber of sperm whales stranded along the Italian coast between 2008 and 2016. POP mean concentrations (dl-PCBs: 6410 ng/g l.w.; PBDEs: 612 ng/g l.w.; PCDD/Fs: 57.8 pg/g l.w.) were mostly in line with what has been previously reported on the same species in the Mediterranean environment and tended to be higher than those reported from other geographical regions. The relative abundance followed the order dl-PCBs > PBDEs ≫ PCDD/Fs. Interestingly, the non-ortho dl-PCB pattern (126 > 169 > 77) was similar to that described in other studies worldwide and different from what is described in its main prey. This could be linked to particular metabolic activities in sperm whales against these highly toxic contaminants. Total TEQs ranged from 275 to 987 pg/g l.w. and showed the pattern Σnon-ortho-dl-PCBs > Σortho-dl-PCBs > PCDDs > PCDFs, with PCBs' contribution about 96%. These findings highlight the high abundance of PCBs still found in the Mediterranean environment despite having been banned for decades. All sperm whales analyzed in this study surpassed the threshold of 210 pg WHO-TEQ/g l.w. proposed as starting point of immunosuppression in harbour seals; a level of contamination that may have contributed to an impairment of their immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Bartalini
- Department of Environmental, Earth and Physical Sciences, University of Siena, Via Mattioli 4, Siena, Italy
| | - J Muñoz-Arnanz
- Department of Instrumental Analysis and Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Organic Chemistry, CSIC. Juan de la Cierva, 3, 28006 Madrid, Spain.
| | - L Marsili
- Department of Environmental, Earth and Physical Sciences, University of Siena, Via Mattioli 4, Siena, Italy
| | - S Mazzariol
- Department of Public Health, Comparative Pathology and Veterinary Hygiene, University of Padova, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020 Legnaro, PD, Italy
| | - M C Fossi
- Department of Environmental, Earth and Physical Sciences, University of Siena, Via Mattioli 4, Siena, Italy
| | - B Jiménez
- Department of Instrumental Analysis and Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Organic Chemistry, CSIC. Juan de la Cierva, 3, 28006 Madrid, Spain
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20
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Konrad CM, Gero S, Frasier T, Whitehead H. Kinship influences sperm whale social organization within, but generally not among, social units. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2018; 5:180914. [PMID: 30225081 PMCID: PMC6124104 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.180914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Sperm whales have a multi-level social structure based upon long-term, cooperative social units. What role kinship plays in structuring this society is poorly understood. We combined extensive association data (518 days, during 2005-2016) and genetic data (18 microsatellites and 346 bp mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region sequences) for 65 individuals from 12 social units from the Eastern Caribbean to examine patterns of kinship and social behaviour. Social units were clearly matrilineally based, evidenced by greater relatedness within social units (mean r = 0.14) than between them (mean r = 0.00) and uniform mtDNA haplotypes within social units. Additionally, most individuals (82.5%) had a first-degree relative in their social unit, while we found no first-degree relatives between social units. Generally and within social units, individuals associated more with their closer relatives (matrix correlations: 0.18-0.25). However, excepting a highly related pair of social units that merged over the study period, associations between social units were not correlated with kinship (p > 0.1). These results are the first to robustly demonstrate kinship's contribution to social unit composition and association preferences, though they also reveal variability in association preferences that is unexplained by kinship. Comparisons with other matrilineal species highlight the range of possible matrilineal societies and how they can vary between and even within species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine M. Konrad
- Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, 1355 Oxford Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, CanadaB3H 4J1
| | - Shane Gero
- Department of Zoophysiology, Institute for Bioscience, Aarhus University, C.F. Møllers Allé 3, Aarhus 8000, Denmark
| | - Timothy Frasier
- Department of Biology, Saint Mary's University, 923 Robie Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, CanadaB3H 3C3
| | - Hal Whitehead
- Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, 1355 Oxford Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, CanadaB3H 4J1
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21
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Mazzariol S, Centelleghe C, Cozzi B, Povinelli M, Marcer F, Ferri N, Di Francesco G, Badagliacca P, Profeta F, Olivieri V, Guccione S, Cocumelli C, Terracciano G, Troiano P, Beverelli M, Garibaldi F, Podestà M, Marsili L, Fossi MC, Mattiucci S, Cipriani P, De Nurra D, Zaccaroni A, Rubini S, Berto D, de Quiros YB, Fernandez A, Morell M, Giorda F, Pautasso A, Modesto P, Casalone C, Di Guardo G. Multidisciplinary studies on a sick-leader syndrome-associated mass stranding of sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) along the Adriatic coast of Italy. Sci Rep 2018; 8:11577. [PMID: 30068967 PMCID: PMC6070578 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-29966-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Mass strandings of sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) are rare in the Mediterranean Sea. Nevertheless, in 2014 a pod of 7 specimens stranded alive along the Italian coast of the Central Adriatic Sea: 3 individuals died on the beach after a few hours due to internal damages induced by prolonged recumbency; the remaining 4 whales were refloated after great efforts. All the dead animals were genetically related females; one was pregnant. All the animals were infected by dolphin morbillivirus (DMV) and the pregnant whale was also affected by a severe nephropathy due to a large kidney stone. Other analyses ruled out other possible relevant factors related to weather conditions or human activities. The results of multidisciplinary post-mortem analyses revealed that the 7 sperm whales entered the Adriatic Sea encountering adverse weather conditions and then kept heading northward following the pregnant but sick leader of the pod, thereby reaching the stranding site. DMV infection most likely played a crucial role in impairing the health condition and orientation abilities of the whales. They did not steer back towards deeper waters, but eventually stranded along the Central Adriatic Sea coastline, a real trap for sperm whales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandro Mazzariol
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Cinzia Centelleghe
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
| | - Bruno Cozzi
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Michele Povinelli
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Federica Marcer
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Nicola Ferri
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", Teramo, Italy
| | - Gabriella Di Francesco
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", Teramo, Italy
| | - Pietro Badagliacca
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", Teramo, Italy
| | - Francesca Profeta
- University of Teramo, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Località Piano d'Accio, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | | | | | - Cristiano Cocumelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana M. Aleandri, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuliana Terracciano
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana M. Aleandri, Rome, Italy
| | - Pasquale Troiano
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Puglia e della Basilicata, Foggia, Italy
| | - Matteo Beverelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Puglia e della Basilicata, Foggia, Italy
| | | | | | - Letizia Marsili
- Department of Physical Science, Earth and Environment, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Fossi
- Department of Physical Science, Earth and Environment, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Simonetta Mattiucci
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Cipriani
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele De Nurra
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, Sassari, Italy
| | | | - Silva Rubini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Yara Beraldo de Quiros
- Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety, Universitad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Antonio Fernandez
- Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety, Universitad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Maria Morell
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier (Inserm UMR 1051), Montpellier, France
| | - Federica Giorda
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Val d'Aosta, Torino, Italy
| | - Alessandra Pautasso
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Val d'Aosta, Torino, Italy
| | - Paola Modesto
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Val d'Aosta, Torino, Italy
| | - Cristina Casalone
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Val d'Aosta, Torino, Italy
| | - Giovanni Di Guardo
- University of Teramo, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Località Piano d'Accio, 64100, Teramo, Italy
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Morin PA, Foote AD, Baker CS, Hancock‐Hanser BL, Kaschner K, Mate BR, Mesnick SL, Pease VL, Rosel PE, Alexander A. Demography or selection on linked cultural traits or genes? Investigating the driver of low mtDNA diversity in the sperm whale using complementary mitochondrial and nuclear genome analyses. Mol Ecol 2018; 27:2604-2619. [DOI: 10.1111/mec.14698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 03/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Phillip A. Morin
- Southwest Fisheries Science Center National Marine Fisheries Service National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration La Jolla California
| | - Andrew D. Foote
- Molecular Ecology and Fisheries Genetics Laboratory School of Biological Sciences Bangor University Bangor Gwynedd UK
| | - Charles Scott Baker
- Marine Mammal Institute Hatfield Marine Science Center Oregon State University Newport Oregon
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife College of Agricultural Sciences Corvallis Oregon
| | - Brittany L. Hancock‐Hanser
- Southwest Fisheries Science Center National Marine Fisheries Service National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration La Jolla California
| | - Kristin Kaschner
- Department of Biometry and Environmental System Analysis Albert‐Ludwigs‐University of Freiburg Freiburg Germany
| | - Bruce R. Mate
- Marine Mammal Institute Hatfield Marine Science Center Oregon State University Newport Oregon
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife College of Agricultural Sciences Corvallis Oregon
| | - Sarah L. Mesnick
- Southwest Fisheries Science Center National Marine Fisheries Service National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration La Jolla California
| | - Victoria L. Pease
- Southwest Fisheries Science Center National Marine Fisheries Service National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration La Jolla California
| | - Patricia E. Rosel
- Southeast Fisheries Science Center National Marine Fisheries Service National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Lafayette Louisiana
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23
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Warren WC, Kuderna L, Alexander A, Catchen J, Pérez-Silva JG, López-Otín C, Quesada V, Minx P, Tomlinson C, Montague MJ, Farias FHG, Walter RB, Marques-Bonet T, Glenn T, Kieran TJ, Wise SS, Wise JP, Waterhouse RM, Wise JP. The Novel Evolution of the Sperm Whale Genome. Genome Biol Evol 2018; 9:3260-3264. [PMID: 28985367 PMCID: PMC5726484 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evx187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The sperm whale, made famous by Moby Dick, is one of the most fascinating of all ocean-dwelling species given their unique life history, novel physiological adaptations to hunting squid at extreme ocean depths, and their position as one of the earliest branching toothed whales (Odontoceti). We assembled the sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) genome and resequenced individuals from multiple ocean basins to identify new candidate genes for adaptation to an aquatic environment and infer demographic history. Genes crucial for skin integrity appeared to be particularly important in both the sperm whale and other cetaceans. We also find sperm whales experienced a steep population decline during the early Pleistocene epoch. These genomic data add new comparative insight into the evolution of whales.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lukas Kuderna
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology (UPF-CSIC), PRBB, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Julian Catchen
- Department of Animal Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana
| | - José G Pérez-Silva
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto Universitario de Oncología, Universidad de Oviedo, Spain
| | - Carlos López-Otín
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto Universitario de Oncología, Universidad de Oviedo, Spain
| | - Víctor Quesada
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto Universitario de Oncología, Universidad de Oviedo, Spain
| | - Patrick Minx
- McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University, St Louis
| | - Chad Tomlinson
- McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University, St Louis
| | - Michael J Montague
- Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania
| | | | - Ronald B Walter
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas State University
| | | | - Travis Glenn
- Department of Environmental Health Science, University of Georgia, Environmental Health Science Bldg, Athens, Georgia
| | - Troy J Kieran
- Department of Environmental Health Science, University of Georgia, Environmental Health Science Bldg, Athens, Georgia
| | - Sandra S Wise
- Wise Laboratory of Environmental and Genetic Toxicology, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville
| | - John Pierce Wise
- Wise Laboratory of Environmental and Genetic Toxicology, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville
| | | | - John Pierce Wise
- Wise Laboratory of Environmental and Genetic Toxicology, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville
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Pace DS, Arcangeli A, Mussi B, Vivaldi C, Ledon C, Lagorio S, Giacomini G, Pavan G, Ardizzone G. Habitat suitability modeling in different sperm whale social groups. J Wildl Manage 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.21453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Silvia Pace
- Department of Environmental Biology; Sapienza University of Rome, Italy; Oceanomare Delphis Onlus, Viale delle Rimembranze 14; Rimini 47924 Italy
| | | | - Barbara Mussi
- Oceanomare Delphis Onlus; Viale delle Rimembranze 14; Rimini 47924 Italy
| | - Carlotta Vivaldi
- Oceanomare Delphis Onlus; Viale delle Rimembranze 14; Rimini 47924 Italy
| | - Cristina Ledon
- Halmos College of Natural Sciences and Oceanography; Nova Southeastern University; FL USA
| | - Serena Lagorio
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences; Marche Polytechnic University; Ancona Italy
| | | | - Gianni Pavan
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences; CIBRA, University of Pavia; Italy
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25
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Autenrieth M, Ernst A, Deaville R, Demaret F, IJsseldijk LL, Siebert U, Tiedemann R. Putative origin and maternal relatedness of male sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) recently stranded in the North Sea. Mamm Biol 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mambio.2017.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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26
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Fraija-Fernández N, Fernández M, Lehnert K, Raga JA, Siebert U, Aznar FJ. Long-Distance Travellers: Phylogeography of a Generalist Parasite, Pholeter gastrophilus, from Cetaceans. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0170184. [PMID: 28085945 PMCID: PMC5234839 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0170184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2016] [Accepted: 12/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
We studied the phylogeography and historical demography of the most generalist digenean from cetaceans, Pholeter gastrophilus, exploring the effects of isolation by distance, ecological barriers and hosts’ dispersal ability on the population structure of this parasite. The ITS2 rDNA, and the mitochondrial COI and ND1 from 68 individual parasites were analysed. Worms were collected from seven oceanic and coastal cetacean species from the south western Atlantic (SWA), central eastern Atlantic, north eastern Atlantic (NEA), and Mediterranean Sea. Pholeter gastrophilus was considered a single lineage because reciprocal monophyly was not detected in the ML cladogram of all individuals, and sequence variability was <1% for mtDNA and 0% for ITS2. These results rule out a recent suggestion that P. gastrophilus would actually be a cryptic-species complex. The genetic cohesion of P. gastrophilus could rely on the extensive exploitation of wide-ranging and highly mobile cetaceans, with a putative secondary role, if any, of intermediate hosts. Unique haplotypes were detected in SWA and NEA, and an AMOVA revealed significant population structure associated to the genetic variation in these regions. The Equator possibly acts as a significant geographical barrier for cetacean movements, possibly limiting gene flow between northern and southern populations of P. gastrophilus. A partial Mantel tests revealed that the significant isolation of NEA populations resulted from geographic clustering. Apparently, the limited mobility of cetaceans used by P. gastrophilus as definitive hosts in this region, coupled with oceanographic barriers and a patchy distribution of potential intermediate hosts could contribute to significant ecological isolation of P. gastrophilus in NEA. Rather unexpectedly, no genetic differentiation was found in the Mediterranean samples of this parasite. Historical demographic analyses suggested a recent population expansion of P. gastrophilus in the Atlantic Ocean, perhaps linked to initial association and subsequent spreading in cetaceans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Fraija-Fernández
- Cavanilles Institute of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Science Park, University of Valencia, Paterna, Valencia, Spain
- * E-mail:
| | - Mercedes Fernández
- Cavanilles Institute of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Science Park, University of Valencia, Paterna, Valencia, Spain
| | - Kristina Lehnert
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Werftstrasse, Büsum, Germany
| | - Juan Antonio Raga
- Cavanilles Institute of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Science Park, University of Valencia, Paterna, Valencia, Spain
| | - Ursula Siebert
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Werftstrasse, Büsum, Germany
| | - Francisco Javier Aznar
- Cavanilles Institute of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Science Park, University of Valencia, Paterna, Valencia, Spain
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27
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Best PB, Tormosov D, Brandão A, Mikhalev Y. Geographical variation in the body size of adult female sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) – an example of McNab’s resource rule? MAMMALIA 2017. [DOI: 10.1515/mammalia-2015-0042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThis study investigates possible regional variations in size composition of adult female sperm whales (
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28
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Gero S, Whitehead H. Critical Decline of the Eastern Caribbean Sperm Whale Population. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0162019. [PMID: 27706153 PMCID: PMC5051958 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0162019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2016] [Accepted: 08/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) populations were expected to rebuild following the end of commercial whaling. We document the decline of the population in the eastern Caribbean by tracing demographic changes of well-studied social units. We address hypotheses that, over a ten-year period of dedicated effort (2005–2015), unit size, numbers of calves and/or calving rates have each declined. Across 16 units, the number of adults decreased in 12 units, increased in two, and showed no change in two. The number of adults per unit decreased at -0.195 individuals/yr (95% CI: -0.080 to -0.310; P = 0.001). The number of calves also declined, but the decline was not significant. This negative trend of -4.5% per year in unit size started in about 2010, with numbers being fairly stable until then. There are several natural and anthropogenic threats, but no well-substantiated cause for the decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shane Gero
- Zoophysiology, Institute for Bioscience, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- * E-mail:
| | - Hal Whitehead
- Dept. of Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
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29
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Rendell L, Frantzis A. Mediterranean Sperm Whales, Physeter macrocephalus: The Precarious State of a Lost Tribe. ADVANCES IN MARINE BIOLOGY 2016; 75:37-74. [PMID: 27770991 DOI: 10.1016/bs.amb.2016.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
First observed in the classical era, a population of sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) persists to this day in the deep waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Genetic and observational evidence support the notion that this is an isolated population, separated from its Atlantic neighbours. These whales depend on mesopelagic squid for food, and appear to occupy a very similar ecological niche to sperm whales in the open oceans. Recent evidence proving that individuals can pass between the eastern and western deep water basins confirms that this is a single population, not isolated into western and eastern stocks. We lack robust information on their population status, but they could number in the hundreds rather than thousands, and current densities appear to be much lower than those reported in the 1950s, suggesting that we should be very concerned about the conservation status of this population. This makes it vitally important to address the serious threats posed by ship strikes and entanglement in fishing nets, especially driftnets, and to carefully monitor other potential sources of anthropogenic impact. A step change in funding to collect better data and a clear shift in policy priorities are needed if we are to be serious about conserving this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Rendell
- Sea Mammal Research Unit, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, Fife, United Kingdom.
| | - A Frantzis
- Pelagos Cetacean Research Institute, Vouliagmeni, Greece
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30
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Gero S, Bøttcher A, Whitehead H, Madsen PT. Socially segregated, sympatric sperm whale clans in the Atlantic Ocean. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2016; 3:160061. [PMID: 27429766 PMCID: PMC4929901 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.160061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2016] [Accepted: 05/10/2016] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) are unusual in that there is good evidence for sympatric populations with distinct culturally determined behaviour, including potential acoustic markers of the population division. In the Pacific, socially segregated, vocal clans with distinct dialects coexist; by contrast, geographical variation in vocal repertoire in the Atlantic has been attributed to drift. We examine networks of acoustic repertoire similarity and social interactions for 11 social units in the Eastern Caribbean. We find the presence of two socially segregated, sympatric vocal clans whose dialects differ significantly both in terms of categorical coda types produced by each clan (Mantel test between clans: matrix correlation = 0.256; p ≤ 0.001) and when using classification-free similarity which ignores defined types (Mantel test between clans: matrix correlation = 0.180; p ≤ 0.001). The more common of the two clans makes a characteristic 1 + 1 + 3 coda, while the other less often sighted clan makes predominantly regular codas. Units were only observed associating with other units within their vocal clan. This study demonstrates that sympatric vocal clans do exist in the Atlantic, that they define a higher order level of social organization as they do in the Pacific, and suggests that cultural identity at the clan level is probably important in this species worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shane Gero
- Department of Zoophysiology, Institute of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Author for correspondence: Shane Gero e-mail:
| | - Anne Bøttcher
- Department of Zoophysiology, Institute of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Hal Whitehead
- Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | - Peter Teglberg Madsen
- Department of Zoophysiology, Institute of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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31
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Alexander A, Steel D, Hoekzema K, Mesnick SL, Engelhaupt D, Kerr I, Payne R, Baker CS. What influences the worldwide genetic structure of sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus)? Mol Ecol 2016; 25:2754-72. [DOI: 10.1111/mec.13638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2014] [Revised: 03/06/2016] [Accepted: 03/22/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Alana Alexander
- Marine Mammal Institute; Hatfield Marine Science Center; Oregon State University; 2030 SE Marine Science Drive Newport OR 97365 USA
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife; Oregon State University; 104 Nash Hall Corvallis OR 97330 USA
- Biodiversity Institute; University of Kansas; 1345 Jayhawk Blvd Lawrence KS 66045 USA
| | - Debbie Steel
- Marine Mammal Institute; Hatfield Marine Science Center; Oregon State University; 2030 SE Marine Science Drive Newport OR 97365 USA
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife; Oregon State University; 104 Nash Hall Corvallis OR 97330 USA
| | - Kendra Hoekzema
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife; Oregon State University; 104 Nash Hall Corvallis OR 97330 USA
| | - Sarah L. Mesnick
- Southwest Fisheries Science Center; National Marine Fisheries Service; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; 8901 La Jolla Shores Drive La Jolla CA 92037 USA
| | | | - Iain Kerr
- Ocean Alliance; 32 Horton Street Gloucester MA 01930 USA
| | - Roger Payne
- Ocean Alliance; 32 Horton Street Gloucester MA 01930 USA
| | - C. Scott Baker
- Marine Mammal Institute; Hatfield Marine Science Center; Oregon State University; 2030 SE Marine Science Drive Newport OR 97365 USA
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife; Oregon State University; 104 Nash Hall Corvallis OR 97330 USA
- School of Biological Sciences; University of Auckland; Private Bag 92019 Auckland 1142 New Zealand
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32
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Fais A, Lewis TP, Zitterbart DP, Álvarez O, Tejedor A, Aguilar Soto N. Abundance and Distribution of Sperm Whales in the Canary Islands: Can Sperm Whales in the Archipelago Sustain the Current Level of Ship-Strike Mortalities? PLoS One 2016; 11:e0150660. [PMID: 26999791 PMCID: PMC4801403 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0150660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2015] [Accepted: 02/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm whales are present in the Canary Islands year-round, suggesting that the archipelago is an important area for this species in the North Atlantic. However, the area experiences one of the highest reported rates of sperm whale ship-strike in the world. Here we investigate if the number of sperm whales found in the archipelago can sustain the current rate of ship-strike mortality. The results of this study may also have implications for offshore areas where concentrations of sperm whales may coincide with high densities of ship traffic, but where ship-strikes may be undocumented. The absolute abundance of sperm whales in an area of 52933 km2, covering the territorial waters of the Canary Islands, was estimated from 2668 km of acoustic line-transect survey using Distance sampling analysis. Data on sperm whale diving and acoustic behaviour, obtained from bio-logging, were used to calculate g(0) = 0.92, this is less than one because of occasional extended periods when whales do not echolocate. This resulted in an absolute abundance estimate of 224 sperm whales (95% log-normal CI 120–418) within the survey area. The recruitment capability of this number of whales, some 2.5 whales per year, is likely to be exceeded by the current ship-strike mortality rate. Furthermore, we found areas of higher whale density within the archipelago, many coincident with those previously described, suggesting that these are important habitats for females and immature animals inhabiting the archipelago. Some of these areas are crossed by active shipping lanes increasing the risk of ship-strikes. Given the philopatry in female sperm whales, replacement of impacted whales might be limited. Therefore, the application of mitigation measures to reduce the ship-strike mortality rate seems essential for the conservation of sperm whales in the Canary Islands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Fais
- Biodiversidad, Ecología Marina y Conservación (BIOECOMAC), Dept. Animal Biology, Geology and Edaphology, La Laguna University, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
- * E-mail:
| | - Tim P. Lewis
- Biodiversidad, Ecología Marina y Conservación (BIOECOMAC), Dept. Animal Biology, Geology and Edaphology, La Laguna University, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Daniel P. Zitterbart
- Ocean Acoustics Lab, Alfred-Wegener-Institut Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar-und Meeresforschung, Bremerhaven, Germany
- Applied Ocean Physics and Engineering, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Omar Álvarez
- Biodiversidad, Ecología Marina y Conservación (BIOECOMAC), Dept. Animal Biology, Geology and Edaphology, La Laguna University, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
- CIMA Canarias, Avda. Los Majuelos 115, 38107 Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Ana Tejedor
- KAI Marine Services, Nalon 16, 28240, Hoyo de Manzanares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Natacha Aguilar Soto
- Biodiversidad, Ecología Marina y Conservación (BIOECOMAC), Dept. Animal Biology, Geology and Edaphology, La Laguna University, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
- CREEM, Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St. Andrews, St Andrews, Scotland
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Isojunno S, Cure C, Kvadsheim PH, Lam FPA, Tyack PL, Wensveen PJ, Miller PJO. Sperm whales reduce foraging effort during exposure to 1-2 kHz sonar and killer whale sounds. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2016; 26:77-93. [PMID: 27039511 DOI: 10.1890/15-0040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
The time and energetic costs of behavioral responses to incidental and experimental sonar exposures, as well as control stimuli, were quantified using hidden state analysis of time series of acoustic and movement data recorded by tags (DTAG) attached to 12 sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) using suction cups. Behavioral state transition modeling showed that tagged whales switched to a non-foraging, non-resting state during both experimental transmissions of low-frequency active sonar from an approaching vessel (LFAS; 1-2 kHz, source level 214 dB re 1 µPa m, four tag records) and playbacks of potential predator (killer whale, Orcinus orca) sounds broadcast at naturally occurring sound levels as a positive control from a drifting boat (five tag records). Time spent in foraging states and the probability of prey capture attempts were reduced during these two types of exposures with little change in overall locomotion activity, suggesting an effect on energy intake with no immediate compensation. Whales switched to the active non-foraging state over received sound pressure levels of 131-165 dB re 1 µPa during LFAS exposure. In contrast, no changes in foraging behavior were detected in response to experimental negative controls (no-sonar ship approach or noise control playback) or to experimental medium-frequency active sonar exposures (MFAS; 6-7 kHz, source level 199 re 1 µPa m, received sound pressure level [SPL] = 73-158 dB re 1 µPa). Similarly, there was no reduction in foraging effort for three whales exposed to incidental, unidentified 4.7-5.1 kHz sonar signals received at lower levels (SPL = 89-133 dB re 1 µPa). These results demonstrate that similar to predation risk, exposure to sonar can affect functional behaviors, and indicate that increased perception of risk with higher source level or lower frequency may modulate how sperm whales respond to anthropogenic sound.
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34
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Whitehead H, Gero S. Conflicting rates of increase in the sperm whale population of the eastern Caribbean: positive observed rates do not reflect a healthy population. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2015. [DOI: 10.3354/esr00657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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Pante E, Puillandre N, Viricel A, Arnaud-Haond S, Aurelle D, Castelin M, Chenuil A, Destombe C, Forcioli D, Valero M, Viard F, Samadi S. Species are hypotheses: avoid connectivity assessments based on pillars of sand. Mol Ecol 2015; 24:525-44. [DOI: 10.1111/mec.13048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2014] [Revised: 12/06/2014] [Accepted: 12/13/2014] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Eric Pante
- Littoral, Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs); UMR 7266 CNRS - Université de La Rochelle; 2 rue Olympe de Gouges 17042 La Rochelle France
| | - Nicolas Puillandre
- ISYEB - UMR 7205 - CNRS, MNHN; UPMC (University Paris 06); EPHE - Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle; Sorbonne Universités; CP26, 57 rue Cuvier F-75231 Paris Cedex 05 France
| | - Amélia Viricel
- Littoral, Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs); UMR 7266 CNRS - Université de La Rochelle; 2 rue Olympe de Gouges 17042 La Rochelle France
| | | | - Didier Aurelle
- Aix Marseille Université; CNRS, IRD; Avignon Université, IMBE UMR 7263; 13397 Marseille France
| | - Magalie Castelin
- Aquatic Animal Health Section; Fisheries and Oceans Canada; Pacific Biological Station; 3190 Hammond Bay Road Nanaimo BC Canada V9T 6N7
| | - Anne Chenuil
- Aix Marseille Université; CNRS, IRD; Avignon Université, IMBE UMR 7263; 13397 Marseille France
| | - Christophe Destombe
- Sorbonne Universités; UPMC; University Paris 06; Station Biologique de Roscoff F-29680 Roscoff France
- CNRS, Laboratory Evolutionary Biology and Ecology of Algae; Sorbonne Universités; Université Pierre et Marie Curie (UPMC) Univ Paris 06, UMI 3614, UPMC, PUCCh, UACh; Station Biologique de Roscoff F-29680 Roscoff France
| | - Didier Forcioli
- Faculté des Sciences; Université Nice-Sophia-Antipolis, Equipe Symbiose Marine UMR 7138; Parc Valrose 06108 Nice Cedex 2 France
- UMR 7138 Evolution Paris Seine; Université Pierre et Marie Curie - CNRS; 7 Quai St Bernard 75252 Paris Cedex 05 France
| | - Myriam Valero
- Sorbonne Universités; UPMC; University Paris 06; Station Biologique de Roscoff F-29680 Roscoff France
- CNRS, Laboratory Evolutionary Biology and Ecology of Algae; Sorbonne Universités; Université Pierre et Marie Curie (UPMC) Univ Paris 06, UMI 3614, UPMC, PUCCh, UACh; Station Biologique de Roscoff F-29680 Roscoff France
| | - Frédérique Viard
- Sorbonne Universités; UPMC; University Paris 06; Station Biologique de Roscoff F-29680 Roscoff France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS); Laboratory Adaptation and Diversity in the Marine Environment; Team Diversity and Connectivity in Coastal Marine Landscapes, UMR 7144; Station Biologique de Roscoff F-29680 Roscoff France
| | - Sarah Samadi
- ISYEB - UMR 7205 - CNRS, MNHN; UPMC (University Paris 06); EPHE - Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle; Sorbonne Universités; CP26, 57 rue Cuvier F-75231 Paris Cedex 05 France
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Investigating population genetic structure in a highly mobile marine organism: the minke whale Balaenoptera acutorostrata acutorostrata in the North East Atlantic. PLoS One 2014; 9:e108640. [PMID: 25268591 PMCID: PMC4182549 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0108640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2014] [Accepted: 08/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Inferring the number of genetically distinct populations and their levels of connectivity is of key importance for the sustainable management and conservation of wildlife. This represents an extra challenge in the marine environment where there are few physical barriers to gene-flow, and populations may overlap in time and space. Several studies have investigated the population genetic structure within the North Atlantic minke whale with contrasting results. In order to address this issue, we analyzed ten microsatellite loci and 331 bp of the mitochondrial D-loop on 2990 whales sampled in the North East Atlantic in the period 2004 and 2007-2011. The primary findings were: (1) No spatial or temporal genetic differentiations were observed for either class of genetic marker. (2) mtDNA identified three distinct mitochondrial lineages without any underlying geographical pattern. (3) Nuclear markers showed evidence of a single panmictic population in the NE Atlantic according STRUCTURE's highest average likelihood found at K = 1. (4) When K = 2 was accepted, based on the Evanno's test, whales were divided into two more or less equally sized groups that showed significant genetic differentiation between them but without any sign of underlying geographic pattern. However, mtDNA for these individuals did not corroborate the differentiation. (5) In order to further evaluate the potential for cryptic structuring, a set of 100 in silico generated panmictic populations was examined using the same procedures as above showing genetic differentiation between two artificially divided groups, similar to the aforementioned observations. This demonstrates that clustering methods may spuriously reveal cryptic genetic structure. Based upon these data, we find no evidence to support the existence of spatial or cryptic population genetic structure of minke whales within the NE Atlantic. However, in order to conclusively evaluate population structure within this highly mobile species, more markers will be required.
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Palacios DM, Baumgartner MF, Laidre KL, Gregr EJ. Beyond correlation: integrating environmentally and behaviourally mediated processes in models of marine mammal distributions. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2013. [DOI: 10.3354/esr00558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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Alexander A, Steel D, Slikas B, Hoekzema K, Carraher C, Parks M, Cronn R, Baker CS. Low diversity in the mitogenome of sperm whales revealed by next-generation sequencing. Genome Biol Evol 2013; 5:113-29. [PMID: 23254394 PMCID: PMC3595033 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evs126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Large population sizes and global distributions generally associate with high mitochondrial DNA control region (CR) diversity. The sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) is an exception, showing low CR diversity relative to other cetaceans; however, diversity levels throughout the remainder of the sperm whale mitogenome are unknown. We sequenced 20 mitogenomes from 17 sperm whales representative of worldwide diversity using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies (Illumina GAIIx, Roche 454 GS Junior). Resequencing of three individuals with both NGS platforms and partial Sanger sequencing showed low discrepancy rates (454-Illumina: 0.0071%; Sanger-Illumina: 0.0034%; and Sanger-454: 0.0023%) confirming suitability of both NGS platforms for investigating low mitogenomic diversity. Using the 17 sperm whale mitogenomes in a phylogenetic reconstruction with 41 other species, including 11 new dolphin mitogenomes, we tested two hypotheses for the low CR diversity. First, the hypothesis that CR-specific constraints have reduced diversity solely in the CR was rejected as diversity was low throughout the mitogenome, not just in the CR (overall diversity π = 0.096%; protein-coding 3rd codon = 0.22%; CR = 0.35%), and CR phylogenetic signal was congruent with protein-coding regions. Second, the hypothesis that slow substitution rates reduced diversity throughout the sperm whale mitogenome was rejected as sperm whales had significantly higher rates of CR evolution and no evidence of slow coding region evolution relative to other cetaceans. The estimated time to most recent common ancestor for sperm whale mitogenomes was 72,800 to 137,400 years ago (95% highest probability density interval), consistent with previous hypotheses of a bottleneck or selective sweep as likely causes of low mitogenome diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alana Alexander
- Marine Mammal Institute, Hatfield Marine Science Center, Oregon State University, OR, USA.
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Savery LC, Evers DC, Wise SS, Falank C, Wise J, Gianios C, Kerr I, Payne R, Thompson WD, Perkins C, Zheng T, Zhu C, Benedict L, Wise JP. Global mercury and selenium concentrations in skin from free-ranging sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2013; 450-451:59-71. [PMID: 23467177 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2013.01.070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2012] [Revised: 01/16/2013] [Accepted: 01/23/2013] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Pollution of the ocean by mercury (Hg) is a global concern. Hg persists, bioaccumulates and is toxic putting high trophic consumers at risk. The sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus), is a sentinel of ocean health due to its wide distribution, longevity and high trophic level. Our aim was to survey Hg concentrations worldwide in the skin of free-ranging sperm whales considering region, gender and age. Samples were collected from 343 whales in 17 regions during the voyage of the research vessel, Odyssey, between 1999 and 2005. Skin was analyzed for total Hg and detected in all but three samples with a global mean of 2.5±0.1 μg g(-1) ranging from 0.1 to 16.0 μg g(-1). The Mediterranean Sea had the highest regional mean with 6.1 μg g(-1) followed by Australia with 3.5 μg g(-1). Considering gender, females and males did not have significantly different global Hg concentrations. The variation among regions for females was significantly different with highest levels in the Mediterranean and lowest in Sri Lanka; however, males were not significantly different among regions. Considering age in males, adults and subadults did not have significantly different Hg concentrations, and were not significantly different among regions. The toxic effects of these Hg concentrations are uncertain. Selenium (Se), an essential element, antagonizes Hg at equimolar amounts. We measured total Se concentrations and found detectable levels in all samples with a global mean of 33.1±1.1 μg g(-1) ranging from 2.5 to 179 μg g(-1). Se concentrations were found to be several fold higher than Hg concentrations with the average Se:Hg molar ratio being 59:1 and no correlation between the two elements. It is possible Hg is being detoxified in the skin by another mechanism. These data provide the first global analysis of Hg and Se concentrations in a free-ranging cetacean.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura C Savery
- Wise Laboratory of Environmental and Genetic Toxicology, University of Southern Maine, P.O. Box 9300, 96 Falmouth St., Portland, ME 04104, USA
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de Stephanis R, Giménez J, Carpinelli E, Gutierrez-Exposito C, Cañadas A. As main meal for sperm whales: plastics debris. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2013; 69:206-214. [PMID: 23465618 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2013.01.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2012] [Revised: 01/23/2013] [Accepted: 01/29/2013] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Marine debris has been found in marine animals since the early 20th century, but little is known about the impacts of the ingestion of debris in large marine mammals. In this study we describe a case of mortality of a sperm whale related to the ingestion of large amounts of marine debris in the Mediterranean Sea (4th published case worldwide to our knowledge), and discuss it within the context of the spatial distribution of the species and the presence of anthropogenic activities in the area that could be the source of the plastic debris found inside the sperm whale. The spatial distribution modelled for the species in the region shows that these animals can be seen in two distinct areas: near the waters of Almería, Granada and Murcia and in waters near the Strait of Gibraltar. The results shows how these animals feed in waters near an area completely flooded by the greenhouse industry, making them vulnerable to its waste products if adequate treatment of this industry's debris is not in place. Most types of these plastic materials have been found in the individual examined and cause of death was presumed to be gastric rupture following impaction with debris, which added to a previous problem of starvation. The problem of plastics arising from greenhouse agriculture should have a relevant section in the conservation plans and should be a recommendation from ACCOBAMS due to these plastics' and sperm whales' high mobility in the Mediterranean Sea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renaud de Stephanis
- GEMA, Department of Conservation Biology, Estación Biológica de Doñana (CSIC), Americo Vespuccio S/N, Isla Cartuja, 41013 Sevilla, Spain.
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Reeves RR, McClellan K, Werner TB. Marine mammal bycatch in gillnet and other entangling net fisheries, 1990 to 2011. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2013. [DOI: 10.3354/esr00481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 212] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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Stewart KR, James MC, Roden S, Dutton PH. Assignment tests, telemetry and tag-recapture data converge to identify natal origins of leatherback turtles foraging in Atlantic Canadian waters. J Anim Ecol 2013; 82:791-803. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.12056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2012] [Accepted: 01/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kelly R. Stewart
- Protected Resources Division, Southwest Fisheries Science Center; National Marine Fisheries Service; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; 8901 La Jolla Shores Dr; La Jolla; CA; 92037; USA
| | | | - Suzanne Roden
- Protected Resources Division, Southwest Fisheries Science Center; National Marine Fisheries Service; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; 8901 La Jolla Shores Dr; La Jolla; CA; 92037; USA
| | - Peter H. Dutton
- Protected Resources Division, Southwest Fisheries Science Center; National Marine Fisheries Service; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; 8901 La Jolla Shores Dr; La Jolla; CA; 92037; USA
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References. Mol Ecol 2012. [DOI: 10.1002/9780470979365.refs] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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CARROLL EMMAL, CHILDERHOUSE SIMONJ, CHRISTIE MARK, LAVERY SHANE, PATENAUDE NATHALIE, ALEXANDER ALANA, CONSTANTINE ROCHELLE, STEEL DEBBIE, BOREN LAURA, SCOTT BAKER C. Paternity assignment and demographic closure in the New Zealand southern right whale. Mol Ecol 2012; 21:3960-73. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-294x.2012.05676.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Spice EK, Goodman DH, Reid SB, Docker MF. Neither philopatric nor panmictic: microsatellite and mtDNA evidence suggests lack of natal homing but limits to dispersal in Pacific lamprey. Mol Ecol 2012; 21:2916-30. [PMID: 22564149 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-294x.2012.05585.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Most species with lengthy migrations display some degree of natal homing; some (e.g. migratory birds and anadromous salmonids) show spectacular feats of homing. However, studies of the sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) indicate that this anadromous species locates spawning habitat based on pheromonal cues from larvae rather than through philopatry. Previous genetic studies in the anadromous Pacific lamprey (Entosphenus tridentatus) have both supported and rejected the hypothesis of natal homing. To resolve this, we used nine microsatellite loci to examine the population structure in 965 Pacific lamprey from 20 locations from central British Columbia to southern California and supplemented this analysis with mitochondrial DNA restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis on a subset of 530 lamprey. Microsatellite analysis revealed (i) relatively low but often statistically significant genetic differentiation among locations (97% pairwise F(ST) values were <0.04 but 73.7% were significant); and (ii) weak but significant isolation by distance (r(2) = 0.0565, P = 0.0450) but no geographic clustering of samples. The few moderate F(ST) values involved comparisons with sites that were geographically distant or far upstream. The mtDNA analysis--although providing less resolution among sites (only 4.7%F(ST) values were significant)--was broadly consistent with the microsatellite results: (i) the southernmost site and some sites tributary to the Salish Sea were genetically distinct; and (ii) southern sites showed higher haplotype and private haplotype richness. These results are inconsistent with philopatry, suggesting that anadromous lampreys are unusual among species with long migrations, but suggest that limited dispersal at sea precludes panmixia in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin K Spice
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2N2, Canada
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Arteaga MC, Piñero D, Eguiarte LE, Gasca J, Medellín RA. Genetic structure and diversity of the nine-banded armadillo in Mexico. J Mammal 2012. [DOI: 10.1644/11-mamm-a-211.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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Whitehead H, Antunes R, Gero S, Wong SNP, Engelhaupt D, Rendell L. Multilevel Societies of Female Sperm Whales (Physeter macrocephalus) in the Atlantic and Pacific: Why Are They So Different? INT J PRIMATOL 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/s10764-012-9598-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Daly-Engel TS, Seraphin KD, Holland KN, Coffey JP, Nance HA, Toonen RJ, Bowen BW. Global phylogeography with mixed-marker analysis reveals male-mediated dispersal in the endangered scalloped hammerhead shark (Sphyrna lewini). PLoS One 2012; 7:e29986. [PMID: 22253848 PMCID: PMC3254628 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0029986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2011] [Accepted: 12/09/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The scalloped hammerhead shark, Sphyrna lewini, is a large endangered predator with a circumglobal distribution, observed in the open ocean but linked ontogenetically to coastal embayments for parturition and juvenile development. A previous survey of maternal (mtDNA) markers demonstrated strong genetic partitioning overall (global ΦST = 0.749) and significant population separations across oceans and between discontinuous continental coastlines. Methodology/Principal Findings We surveyed the same global range with increased sample coverage (N = 403) and 13 microsatellite loci to assess the male contribution to dispersal and population structure. Biparentally inherited microsatellites reveal low or absent genetic structure across ocean basins and global genetic differentiation (FST = 0.035) over an order of magnitude lower than the corresponding measures for maternal mtDNA lineages (ΦST = 0.749). Nuclear allelic richness and heterozygosity are high throughout the Indo-Pacific, while genetic structure is low. In contrast, allelic diversity is low while population structure is higher for populations at the ends of the range in the West Atlantic and East Pacific. Conclusions/Significance These data are consistent with the proposed Indo-Pacific center of origin for S. lewini, and indicate that females are philopatric or adhere to coastal habitats while males facilitate gene flow across oceanic expanses. This study includes the largest sampling effort and the most molecular loci ever used to survey the complete range of a large oceanic predator, and findings emphasize the importance of incorporating mixed-marker analysis into stock assessments of threatened and endangered shark species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toby S Daly-Engel
- Department of Zoology, University of Hawaii at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States of America.
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Spatiotemporal segregation among summer stocks of beluga (Delphinapterus leucas) despite nuclear gene flow: implication for the endangered belugas in eastern Hudson Bay (Canada). CONSERV GENET 2011. [DOI: 10.1007/s10592-011-0294-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
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