scholarly journals One more avenue for whale-watching contributions to science: the study of cetacean-cephalopod interactions

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stéphanie R.A. Suciu ◽  
Jasmine Zereba ◽  
Lorenzo Fiori ◽  
José M.N. Azevedo
Keyword(s):  
Sampling Methods ◽  
Close Association ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Primary Source ◽  
Sperm Whales ◽  
Molecular Tools ◽  
Whale Watching ◽  
Participatory Science ◽  
Trophic Resource ◽  
Favorable Conditions

AbstractCephalopods are the primary source of food for several species of odontocetes. The unstable nature of this trophic resource is likely to affect the ecology of their cetacean predators, and this can be reflected on their conservation status but also on the tourist activities which target the observation of these animals. However, the study of the cetacean-cephalopod interaction is limited by the heavy logistics and expense of dedicated scientific campaigns. Fortunately, this gap can be filled by coupling modern molecular tools with indirect sampling methods. In this note we test if whale watching activities, which represent an intense observation effort worldwide, could be a source of material for studies of cetacean-cephalopod interactions. All contacted companies welcomed the invitation and received the sampling kit. Nine samples were collected, most of them in close association with sperm whales. All samples were determined as the seven-arm octopus Haliphron atlanticus (Octopoda, Alloposidae). We conclude that, although the Azores may have particularly favorable conditions for participatory science, similar programs can be replicated elsewhere

Dietary composition of endangered seahorses determined by stable isotope analysis

2017 ◽  
Vol 68 (5) ◽  
pp. 831 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Valladares ◽  
D. X. Soto ◽  
M. Planas
Keyword(s):  
Stable Isotope ◽  
Environmental Changes ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Isotope Analysis ◽  
Primary Source ◽  
Habitat Characteristics ◽  
Conservation Actions ◽  
Isotope Mixing Models ◽  
North Western

The lack of integrated measures for assessing the feeding ecology of seahorses may restrict the effectiveness of conservation actions on wild populations of worldwide threatened seahorse species. Identifying dietary sources will allow researchers to determine their degree of vulnerability to environmental changes, redefine their conservation status and apply appropriate management strategies. The resource use of the seahorse Hippocampus guttulatus inhabiting coastal waters of Galicia (north-western Iberian Peninsula) was assessed for three populations and 2 years using stable isotope mixing models. The Bayesian mixing model (MixSIAR) estimated the relative contributions of the dietary sources to the seahorse diet and revealed that Caprellidea were the primary source, followed by Gammaridea and Caridea. Mysidae and Annelida represented the less dominant prey. This prey preference can be explained by the foraging behaviour of seahorses. Different contributions of Gammaridea and Caridea to the diet were found among sites, indicating different habitat characteristics and hence different habitat use by seahorses within each site. In addition, differences were encountered among sexes. Caprellidea was the dominant prey for females, whereas Gammaridea was the dominant prey for males. The findings of the present study will contribute to the knowledge of feeding patterns of H. guttulatus, providing relevant data for conservation of this endangered species.

IMPACTS OF COMMERCIAL WHALE WATCHING ON MALE SPERM WHALES AT KAIKOURA, NEW ZEALAND

2006 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 46-63 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christoph Richter ◽  
Steve Dawson ◽  
Elisabeth Slooten
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Sperm Whales ◽  
Whale Watching ◽  
Male Sperm

scholarly journals Neotropical felid specimens at the Museu Paraense Emilio Goeldi: species, distribution, and morphometric data

2018 ◽  
Vol 58 ◽  
pp. e20185833
Author(s):  
Alexandra Maria Ramos Bezerra ◽  
Samanta Uchôa Bordallo
Keyword(s):  
Species Distribution ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Primary Source ◽  
First Record ◽  
South American ◽  
Morphometric Data ◽  
The Third ◽  
Brazilian State ◽  
Northern Brazil ◽  
Source Of Information

Museu Paraense Emilio Goeldi (MPEG), situated at Brazilian state of Pará, houses the third largest South-American mammal scientific collection, being a primary source of information for the study of Amazonian and Neotropical mammalians. The collection holds 245 felid specimens, comprising 210 skulls, 53 skins, 10 skeletons, and two anatomical pieces, representing 90% of wild Brazilian cat species, mainly from localities of Northern Brazil. We presented a list of this material, indexed by the genera and species. We also provided craniodental measurements of all the specimens with skull, and comment on the conservation status of the species and other remarkable data, including the first record of Leopardus tigrinus in the Brazilian state of Rondônia.

scholarly journals Physicochemical characteristic, nutrient, and fish production in different types of mangrove forest in North Sumatra and Aceh Provinces of Indonesia

2021 ◽  
Vol 48 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Basyuni ◽  
◽  
Bejo Slamet ◽  
Nurdin Sulistiyono ◽  
Erman Munir ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Production ◽  
Significant Role ◽  
Mangrove Forest ◽  
Close Association ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Physicochemical Characteristic ◽  
Litter Production ◽  
Fish Production ◽  
Mangrove Species ◽  
North Sumatra

Mangrove forests are highly productive ecosystems that sustain marine life, including fish communities. This study aimed to analyse mangrove characteristics, physicochemical parameters, nutrient and primary production derived from mangrove litter and estimate the fish production. The study was conducted at five mangrove sites in North Sumatra and the Aceh Provinces, Indonesia. Two sites represented natural forest at North Sumatra and Aceh (Jaring Halus and Langsa). In comparison, two sites were mangroves converted into oil palm plantations (Pulau Sembilan and Pulau Kampai, North Sumatra). The fifth site was a mangrove forest converted into aquacultural ponds (Percut Sei Tuan, North Sumatra). The study displays the dissemination of mangrove species in five different mangrove sites showing diversity. Avicennia spp found in estuarine near a coastal area, Rhizophora spp spread across the sites, and Sonneratia spp were more likely to occur in the mouth of the upstream river. Litter production at the present study site was dominated by Rhizophora spp., followed by Avicennia spp. This finding was very closely related to the nutrients resulting from litter decomposition in the mangrove ecosystem. The primary production value of 870-1,747 g C m-2 year had a significant role as the beginning of the estuary food chain. Our results show a close association between fish productivity and mangrove management, and conservation status. The highest fish production was found in the well-preserved forests (Jaring Halus and Langsa), followed by the sites converted to palm oil plantations (Pulau Sembilan and Pulau Kampai). At the same time, the least fishing productivity was identified at the fishing ponds (Percut Sei Tuan). The present study provides further evidence of the significant role of mangrove ecosystems for fisheries and calls for effective restoration programs to support local food security along the coast of Indonesia.

scholarly journals Population trends and status of the Madeira Laurel Pigeon Columba trocaz

1999 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 387-395 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paulo Oliveira ◽  
Martin Jones ◽  
Donato Caires ◽  
Dilia Menezes
Keyword(s):  
Population Density ◽  
Threatened Species ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Considerable Increase ◽  
Sampling Methods ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Distance Sampling ◽  
Population Changes ◽  
Laurel Forest ◽  
Large Scale Survey

SummaryA survey was undertaken in 1995 to assess the conservation status of the Madeira Laurel Pigeon Columba trocaz, a threatened species endemic to the Island of Madeira. The first large scale survey was carried out 1986, following the cessation of legal hunting of the species, to provide a baseline for future monitoring of population changes. The current study therefore aims to (1) compare population size with those of 1986 and (2) employ distance sampling methods (not used in 1986) to obtain estimates of population density and size. Eighteen transects (13 repeated from the 1986 survey and five new) were conducted in the four main areas of laurel forest. Pigeon numbers had increased on nearly all transects but some of the highest increases, proportionately and often numerically, were in areas with lower numbers in 1986. We estimate the current population to be 10,400 individuals, a considerable increase since 1986, probably due to a ban on hunting. As laurel forest habitat is now very well protected the Madeira Laurel Pigeon is relatively safe from extinction.

scholarly journals Population genetics and social organization of the sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) in the Azores inferred by microsatellite analyses

2009 ◽  
Vol 87 (9) ◽  
pp. 802-813 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. M. Pinela ◽  
S. Quérouil ◽  
S. Magalhães ◽  
M. A. Silva ◽  
R. Prieto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Group Structure ◽  
Close Association ◽  
Social Groups ◽  
Sperm Whale ◽  
Female Offspring ◽  
Molecular Sexing ◽  
Physeter Macrocephalus ◽  
Sperm Whales ◽  
High Genetic Diversity ◽  
Sibling Pairs

In the northeast Atlantic Ocean, the archipelago of the Azores is frequented by female–offspring groups of sperm whales ( Physeter macrocephalus L., 1758), as well as large males. The Azores apparently constitute both a feeding ground and a reproduction site. Little is known about the population and group structure of sperm whales in the area. We analysed 151 sloughed skin and biopsy samples collected from 2002 to 2004. Molecular analyses involved genetic tagging using 11 microsatellite loci and molecular sexing. Our objectives were to determine the population genetic structure, compare relatedness within and between social groups, infer kinship, and estimate the age of males at dispersal. Results suggest that individuals visiting the archipelago of the Azores belong to a single population. High genetic diversity and absence of inbreeding suggest that the population is recovering from whaling. Individuals sampled in close association are highly related, as well as those observed in the same area on the same day, suggesting that secondary social groups (i.e., the union of primary social units) are largely but not exclusively composed of relatives. Probable mother–offspring and full-sibling pairs were identified. Age of males at dispersal was estimated at 16.6 years, which was well above previous estimates for this species.

scholarly journals Catalog of medium and large-sized mammals from the state of Pará, Brazil, housed in the Museu de Zoologia da Universidade de São Paulo (MZUSP)

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 863-903
Author(s):  
Fabio Oliveira do Nascimento ◽  
Rafaela Lumi Vendramel
Keyword(s):  
Latin America ◽  
Species Richness ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Primary Source ◽  
Brazilian Amazon ◽  
Sao Paulo ◽  
The State ◽  
São Paulo ◽  
Neotropical Mammals ◽  
Ecological Conservation

The Mammal Collection of the Museu de Zoologia da Universidade de São Paulo (MZUSP) is one of the largest collections of Neotropical mammals in Latin America, housing about 50,000 specimens. One of the most representative series in this collection comes from the Brazilian Amazon Biome. Among the Brazilian Amazon states, Pará was target of several scientific expeditions led by MZUSP researchers, becoming one of the most representative in terms of number of specimens and species richness in the collection. Here we present a list of the medium and large-sized mammal specimens from Pará state housed in the MZUSP, with comments about taxonomy, the conservation status of the species and other associated information. We found 1,910 specimens representing 79 species and nine orders of medium and large-sized mammals from Pará. Among these, 24 species are currently classified as threatened in Brazil. Furthermore, we found some areas with higher concentration of collection localities, such as at the banks of the lower Rio Tapajós and in the northeastern region of the state. The present catalog plays an important role in presenting the currently known biodiversity of medium and large-sized mammals of Pará, also acting as a primary source for systematics, ecological, conservation and biogeographic studies

scholarly journals Characteristics of the main primary source profiles of particulate matter across China from 1987 to 2017

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (5) ◽  
pp. 3223-3243 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaohui Bi ◽  
Qili Dai ◽  
Jianhui Wu ◽  
Qing Zhang ◽  
Wenhui Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Particulate Matter ◽  
Sampling Methods ◽  
Primary Source ◽  
Primary Sources ◽  
Industrial Emissions ◽  
Source Profiles ◽  
Chemical Profiles ◽  
Source Category ◽  
And Cluster Analysis ◽  
Main Components

Abstract. Based on published literature and typical profiles from the Nankai University source library, a total of 3326 chemical profiles of the main primary sources of ambient particulate matter (PM) across China from 1987 to 2017 are investigated and reviewed to trace the evolution of their main components and identify the main influencing factors concerning their evolution. In general, the source chemical profiles are varied with respect to their sources and are influenced by different sampling methods. The most complicated profiles are likely attributed to coal combustion (CC) and industrial emissions (IE). The profiles of vehicle emissions (VE) are dominated by organic carbon (OC) and elemental carbon (EC), and vary due to the changing standards of sulfur and additives in gasoline and diesel as well as the sampling methods used. In addition to the sampling methods used, the profiles of biomass burning (BB) and cooking emissions (CE) are also impacted by the different biofuel categories and cooking types, respectively. The variations of the chemical profiles of different sources, and the homogeneity of the subtype source profiles within the same source category are examined using uncertainty analysis and cluster analysis. As a result, a relatively large variation is found in the source profiles of CC, VE, IE, and BB, indicating that these sources urgently require the establishment of local profiles due to their high uncertainties. The results presented highlight the need for further investigation of more specific markers (e.g., isotopes, organic compounds, and gaseous precursors), in addition to routinely measured components, in order to properly discriminate sources. Although the chemical profiles of the main sources have been previously reported in the literature, it should be noted that some of these chemical profiles are currently out of date and need to be updated immediately. Additionally, in the future, specific focus should be placed on the source profile subtypes, especially with respect to local IE in China.

scholarly journals Whaling Bans – Another Inch Forward

Oryx ◽  
1981 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 123-124
Author(s):  
Richard Fitter
Keyword(s):  
Indian Ocean ◽  
North Atlantic ◽  
Sperm Whales ◽  
Whale Watching ◽  
Remarkable Feature ◽  
International Whaling Commission ◽  
Conspicuous Feature ◽  
The North ◽  
The Indian Ocean ◽  
The North Atlantic

At this year's International Whaling Commission meeting, where ‘horse trading’ between whalers and conservationists was again a conspicuous feature, sperm whales got a respite, but at the expense of the North Atlantic fin whales. For the British ngo-s, banded together in Wildlife Link (which includes ffPS), the main disappointment was the failure of all three major proposals to halt whaling altogether. They now look to a future where hunting has been given up for lack of whales to hunt, and whale-watching takes over. A remarkable feature of the meetings was the leadership of the Seychelles Government, which last year succeded in getting the Indian Ocean Sanctuary for whales.

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