Article
Environmental Sciences
Mingming Liu, Mingli Lin, David Lusseau, Songhai Li
Summary: Research in the eastern waters of Zhanjiang, China, shows that group size of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins varies with different seasons and years, but not with tidal phases. The presence of mother-calf pairs significantly increases group size, providing more protection, food, and resources for the dolphins.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Anna I. Christie, Andrew P. Colefax, Daniele Cagnazzi
Summary: This study assesses the feasibility of collecting body morphometrics data of Australian snubfin and humpback dolphins using images captured by UAVs. The effect of UAV altitude and animal position on length estimation accuracy was tested. The study demonstrates the reliability of using UAV-based images to obtain morphometrics of small dolphin species.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xiyang Zhang, Dingyu Luo, Ri-Qing Yu, Zhenhui Xie, Lei He, Yuping Wu
Summary: The study revealed microplastic pollution in Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins, with polypropylene and polyethylene fibers as the main components, mainly in white or transparent colors. Dolphins from urban areas showed higher microplastic abundances compared to those from rural areas, indicating the significant influence of human activities on microplastic accumulation in the Pearl River Estuary. The identification of different microplastic polymers suggested complex source scenarios, highlighting the need for further research on the potential impacts of microplastics on endangered species.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mingming Liu, Mingli Lin, Xiaoming Tang, Lijun Dong, Peijun Zhang, David Lusseau, Songhai Li
Summary: Observer-based counts and photo-identification are common methods in cetacean studies, but potential errors exist in group size estimation. This study found that dolphin group size varied greatly, influenced by different geographic regions and a complex combination of methodological and biogeographical variables.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Guido J. Parra, Zachary Wojtkowiak, Katharina J. Peters, Daniele Cagnazzi
Summary: The coexistence of Australian snubfin and humpback dolphins is likely facilitated by subtle differences in prey selection and habitat use, despite their similarities in trophic levels and dietary overlap.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xiyang Zhang, Fengping Zhan, Ri-Qing Yu, Xian Sun, Yuping Wu
Summary: The study focused on the placental transfer and congener composition of organic contaminants in Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins. The results indicated significant differences in the levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners among different tissues, as well as variations in contaminant concentrations in different organs within the same individual.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xiao-yan Wang, Ying Jiang, Zong-wei Liu, Chun-mei Yang, Bing-yao Chen, Lian-gang Lu
Summary: This study recorded underwater vocalizations of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins during foraging activities in the Beibu Gulf and identified three types of pulsed signal trains: clicks, burst-pulses, and buzzes. Buzzes and burst-pulses, previously unidentified in this species in China, were detected for the first time. The variations in inter-pulse interval and duration of the three vocalization types were found to be related to surface behaviors.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yongwei Guo, Duan Gui, Xiyang Zhang, Wen Liu, Qiang Xie, Xinjian Yu, Yuping Wu
Summary: The study found that Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins in the Pearl River Estuary showed physiological responses to contaminant exposure and changes in food resources. For calves, cortisol levels were positively correlated with body length and annual calf mortality ratios, indicating high stress levels before death in years of high calf mortality. Diseased noncalves had significantly higher blubber cortisol levels, and there was a positive relationship between contaminant levels and cortisol levels in noncalves.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Yufei Dai, Watchara Sakornwimon, Rachawadee Chantra, Liyuan Zhao, Fuxing Wu, Reyilamu Aierken, Kongkiat Kittiwattanawong, Xianyan Wang
Summary: By analyzing the genetic samples of the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin, we found a strong genetic structure among populations, which may be attributed to factors such as geographic distance, environmental variables, anthropogenic interference, and social behavior.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chi-hung Lin, Hsing-Juh Lin, Jian-Ping Suen, Lien-Siang Chou
Summary: The study reveals that environmental factors such as watershed rainfall, runoff, and estuarine turbidity can significantly impact the sighting rate and behavioral activities of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Yun Ho, Pei-Ying Wu, Lien-Siang Chou, Wei-Cheng Yang
Summary: The population of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin (Sousa chinensis) in western Taiwan is designated as a subspecies and listed as Critically Endangered. Accurate identification and classification of human-induced injuries and skin lesions are crucial for the management of this declining population. The prevalence of skin marks is high and indicates the need for radical conservation measures.
Article
Acoustics
Zhongchang Song, Chuang Zhang, Weijie Fu, Zhanyuan Gao, Wenzhan Ou, Jinhu Zhang, Yu Zhang
Summary: Research has found that odontocetes have evolved special acoustic structures in the forehead to modulate echolocation and communication signals into directional beams, facilitating feeding and social behaviors. In addition, the presence of harmonics can enhance the directivity of the fundamental frequency.
JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sarah Piwetz, Thomas A. Jefferson, Bernd Wursig
Summary: The study revealed that construction-related loss of habitat, noise pollution, and vessel activity are posing growing threats to Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins near Lantau Island, Hong Kong. Dolphins were found to prefer areas away from construction activities and exhibit faster swimming speeds in response to vessel presence.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Agathe Serres, Wenzhi Lin, Binshuai Liu, Mingli Lin, Mingming Liu, Songhai Li
Summary: Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins along the northern South China Sea coastline in China are affected by intense human activities. A study analyzing photographs from 2010 to 2021 in five locations found that 10.6% of the dolphins had human-induced injuries. Adults were more frequently injured, and the highest injury prevalence was observed in Jiangmen, Hainan, and Sanniang Bay. Further research is needed in less-studied areas like Jiangmen and Hainan, and dolphin watching activities in Sanniang Bay should be monitored and regulated. Additionally, 47% of dolphins had skin conditions, with orange patches being the most common (41.5%). The prevalence of orange patches and hyper-pigmented pink spots differed significantly between seasons and demographic groups. These findings provide insights into the potential impacts of human activities on Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins and should guide conservation efforts.
MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Marine
Wenzhi Lin, Shenglan Chen, Ruiqiang Zheng, Agathe Serres, Binshuai Liu, Mingli Lin, Mingming Liu, Songhai Li
Summary: A variety of anomalous body color patterns were observed on Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins off southern China, including hypopigmentation and hyperpigmentation. The prevalence of hypopigmentation was higher in dolphins residing in the mid-Pearl-River-Delta region.
JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Nicola Ransome, Lars Bejder, Micheline Jenner, Gavin Penfold, Violeta J. Brosig, Craig Kitson, Rebecca Skjothaug, Emma Neilson, Neil R. Loneragan, Joshua N. Smith
Summary: Documented cases of cetacean births in the wild are rare, but humpback whales are one of the few large whale species where observers have been present during a birthing event. This study compiled eyewitness accounts of all known humpback whale birthing events, identifying nine well-documented cases globally. In most cases, another escort whale was present during the birthing event, with multiple escorts observed in some instances.
MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Romane H. Cristescu, Riana Gardiner, Julien Terraube, Kye McDonald, Dan Powell, Alexis L. Levengood, Celine H. Frere
Summary: The 2019-2020 Australian bushfires had a significant impact on koala habitat and population density. While koala density decreased in most fire-affected sites, there was unexpectedly a higher density observed in one of the sites. This highlights the importance of monitoring koalas in fire-affected areas for several months after the fires.
Article
Biology
Paolo S. Segre, William T. Gough, Edward A. Roualdes, David E. Cade, Max F. Czapanskiy, James Fahlbusch, Shirel R. Kahane-Rapport, William K. Oestreich, Lars Bejder, K. C. Bierlich, Julia A. Burrows, John Calambokidis, Ellen M. Chenoweth, Jacopo di Clemente, John W. Durban, Holly Fearnbach, Frank E. Fish, Ari S. Friedlaender, Peter Hegelund, David W. Johnston, Douglas P. Nowacek, Machiel G. Oudejans, Gwenith S. Penry, Jean Potvin, Malene Simon, Andrew Stanworth, Janice M. Straley, Andrew Szabo, Simone K. A. Videsen, Fleur Visser, Caroline R. Weir, David N. Wiley, Jeremy A. Goldbogen
Summary: This study quantified the maneuvering performance of seven species of free-swimming baleen whale using bio-logging data, aerial photogrammetry, and a high-throughput approach. The results showed that larger whales have lower absolute maneuvering performance compared to smaller species, but exhibit positive allometry of maneuvering performance relative to their body size. Larger whales compensate for their decreased agility by using turns that they can perform more effectively.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Krista Nicholson, Martin van Aswegen, Neil Loneragan, Lars Bejder
Summary: Wildlife management requires reliable demographic information to assess the population status and vulnerability. This study calculated demographic parameters and assessed the viability of a community of indo-pacific bottlenose dolphins. The results showed that population changes in this community are influenced by births, deaths, and the migration of juvenile males. To maintain population stability, management actions to reduce adult female and calf mortality should be considered.
MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Riana Gardiner, Julien Terraube, Celine Frere, Romane Cristescu
Summary: This study surveyed 959 sites to determine the occurrence of koalas in secondary eucalyptus forests. The results showed that koalas were less likely to be found in secondary forests compared to primary forests. However, the distance to major roads and the water area had interactive effects on koala occurrence, with greater distances and larger water areas predicting increased koala presence. This highlights the importance of considering the landscape context when protecting secondary eucalyptus forests for koala conservation.
BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Vivienne Foroughirad, Celine H. Frere, Alexis L. Levengood, Anna M. Kopps, Ewa Krzyszczyk, Janet Mann
Summary: This study investigates the effects of family size on female sociality in the Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins in Shark Bay, Australia. The results show that females have strong preferences for affiliations with both matrilineal and nonmatrilineal kin, but family size has only a small impact on individual social position. Individual foraging ecology has a stronger and more consistent effect on sociality.
Article
Behavioral Sciences
J. Tacey, B. Class, C. Delme, D. Powell, C. H. Frere
Summary: This study investigated the impact of fungal infection on the social behavior of urban eastern water dragons. The results showed that dragons with severe infections avoided diseased individuals, but the infection status did not affect their social interactions with healthy conspecifics.
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Kaitlin E. Barham, Cameron J. Baker, Craig E. Franklin, Hamish A. Campbell, Celine H. Frere, Terri R. Irwin, Ross G. Dwyer
Summary: In species with costly conflict, individuals use alternative movement tactics to minimize competitive interactions. This study investigated how the behavior of male estuarine crocodiles shifted over an 11-year period in relation to ontogeny, body condition, and physical injuries. Results showed that males sorted into different movement classes, with larger males maintaining confined territories, while smaller males adopted high movement or low movement tactics. Our study provides insights into the mechanisms and costs of movement tactics in wild crocodile populations.
BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY AND SOCIOBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Sarah Ball, Dominique A. Potvin, Barbara Class, Celine H. Frere
Summary: Agonistic and movement behaviors, which are associated with territoriality, showed individual repeatability but were not found to be correlated. This suggests that aggression and movement may be independent traits and territoriality may not drive shared selective pressures for both.
BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY AND SOCIOBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biology
Fredrik Christiansen, Kate R. Sprogis, Mia L. K. Nielsen, Maria Glarou, Lars Bejder
Summary: We used novel drone focal follows and aerial photogrammetry to measure the respiration rate and body condition loss of southern right whales in Australia. The results showed that larger whales had lower respiration rates and mass-specific field metabolic rates. Pregnant and lactating females had significantly higher respiration rates and field metabolic rates, indicating the significant costs of fetal maintenance and milk production.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
C. H. Frere, G. D. O'Reilly, K. Strickland, A. Schultz, K. Hohwieler, J. Hanger, D. de Villiers, R. Cristescu, D. Powell, W. Sherwin
Summary: The genetic consequences of population subdivision in human-impacted landscapes are significant for long-term evolution. This study analyzes the effects of population subdivision on genetic diversity using koala population data and proposes a method to evaluate mitigation measures.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ted Cheeseman, Ken Southerland, Jo Marie Acebes, Katherina Audley, Jay Barlow, Lars Bejder, Caitlin Birdsall, Amanda L. Bradford, Josie K. Byington, John Calambokidis, Rachel Cartwright, Jen Cedarleaf, Andrea Jacqueline Garcia Chavez, Jens J. Currie, Joelle De Weerdt, Nicole Doe, Thomas Doniol-Valcroze, Karina Dracott, Olga Filatova, Rachel Finn, Kiirsten Flynn, John K. B. Ford, Astrid Frisch-Jordan, Christine M. Gabriele, Beth Goodwin, Craig Hayslip, Jackie Hildering, Marie C. Hill, Jeff K. Jacobsen, M. Esther Jimenez-Lopez, Meagan Jones, Nozomi Kobayashi, Edward Lyman, Mark Malleson, Evgeny Mamaev, Pamela Martinez Loustalot, Annie Masterman, Craig Matkin, Christie J. McMillan, Jeff E. Moore, John R. Moran, Janet L. Neilson, Hayley Newell, Haruna Okabe, Marilia Olio, Adam A. Pack, Daniel M. Palacios, Heidi C. Pearson, Ester Quintana-Rizzo, Raul Fernando Ramirez Barragan, Nicola Ransome, Hiram Rosales-Nanduca, Fred Sharpe, Tasli Shaw, Stephanie H. Stack, Iain Staniland, Jan Straley, Andrew Szabo, Suzie Teerlink, Olga Titova, Urban R. Jorge, Martin van Aswegen, Marcel Vinicius de Morais, Olga von Ziegesar, Briana Witteveen, Janie Wray, Kymberly M. Yano, Denny Zwiefelhofer, Phil Clapham
Summary: We provide an extensive dataset of humpback whales in the North Pacific Ocean, including photo identification records and encounter data. The dataset was created through collaboration and combines curated photo-ID catalogs with community science data. An image recognition algorithm based on machine learning was used to quickly and accurately match individuals with a 97-99% accuracy rate. Over the study period of 2001-2021, 27,956 unique individuals were documented in 157,350 encounters, with each individual encountered in an average of 5.6 sampling periods.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Caitlin R. Nicholls, Katharina J. Peters, Daniele Cagnazzi, Daniella Hanf, Guido J. Parra
Summary: This study found that dolphins, both humpback and snubfin, are subject to predation pressure from sharks, with dolphins closer to the coast, with greater photographic coverage, and in north Queensland being more likely to have shark-inflicted bite injuries. The results highlight the importance of habitat features and geographical location in predation risk for dolphins, as well as the need to consider photographic coverage when assessing bite injuries on marine animals.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Philip T. Patton, Ted Cheeseman, Kenshin Abe, Taiki Yamaguchi, Walter Reade, Ken Southerland, Addison Howard, Erin M. Oleson, Jason B. Allen, Erin Ashe, Aline Athayde, Robin W. Baird, Charla Basran, Elsa Cabrera, John Calambokidis, Julio Cardoso, Emma L. Carroll, Amina Cesario, Barbara J. Cheney, Enrico Corsi, Jens Currie, John W. Durban, Erin A. Falcone, Holly Fearnbach, Kiirsten Flynn, Trish Franklin, Wally Franklin, Barbara Galletti Vernazzani, Tilen Genov, Marie Hill, David R. Johnston, Erin L. Keene, Sabre D. Mahaffy, Tamara L. McGuire, Liah McPherson, Catherine Meyer, Robert Michaud, Anastasia Miliou, Dara N. Orbach, Heidi C. Pearson, Marianne H. Rasmussen, William J. Rayment, Caroline Rinaldi, Renato Rinaldi, Salvatore Siciliano, Stephanie Stack, Beatriz Tintore, Leigh G. Torres, Jared R. Towers, Cameron Trotter, Reny Tyson Moore, Caroline R. Weir, Rebecca Wellard, Randall Wells, Kymberly M. Yano, Jochen R. Zaeschmar, Lars Bejder
Summary: This paper introduces a multi-species photo-identification model based on ArcFace classification head, which is a state-of-the-art method in human facial recognition. The model achieved high predictive performance on the test set by jointly classifying species and identities. It is currently freely available and can be used for noninvasive research in animal ecology.
METHODS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Fabien Vivier, Randall S. Wells, Marie C. Hill, Kymberly M. Yano, Amanda L. Bradford, Eva M. Leunissen, Aude Pacini, Cormac G. Booth, Julie Rocho-Levine, Jens J. Currie, Philip T. Patton, Lars Bejder
Summary: Understanding the population health of long-lived and slow-reproducing species is crucial for management, but traditional monitoring techniques are time-consuming. This study tested a novel method, using Unoccupied Aerial System (UAS) photogrammetry, to assess the population age structure of small dolphins. The UAS photogrammetry proved to be an effective and non-invasive method for estimating body length and age-class of free-swimming dolphins, providing early signs of population changes for management decisions.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
