SMRU sperm whale distribution around the Balearic Islands 2003-2008

Enrico Pirotta; Luke Rendell

doi:10.15468/xyv3tw

SMRU sperm whale distribution around the Balearic Islands 2003-2008

Citation

Pirotta, E. and L. Rendell. 2011. SMRU sperm whale distribution around the Balearic Islands 2003-2008. Data downloaded from OBIS-SEAMAP (http://seamap.env.duke.edu/dataset/807) on yyyy-mm-dd. https://doi.org/10.15468/xyv3tw accessed via GBIF.org on 2025-05-15.

Description

Original provider: Enrico Pirotta, Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU) Dataset credits: Luke Rendell and Enrico Pirotta, Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU) Abstract: Sperm whale Physeter macrocephalus habitat preferences are still poorly understood in the Mediterranean, despite the population being classified as ‘Endangered’ by the IUCN. Techniques to make the best use of multiple data sources are important in improving this situation. This work provides a detailed evaluation of sperm whale distribution and habitat use around the Balearic Islands using a novel analytical framework that combines transect and follow data while accounting for any autocorrelation present. During dedicated research cruises (2003 to 2008), sperm whales were located by listening at regular intervals along a search track and subsequently followed acoustically. Sperm whales were encountered 56 times and followed for periods ranging from a few hours to 3 d. Logistic Generalized Additive Models were used to model the probability of whale presence across the study area as a function of environmental variables, and Generalized Estimating Equations were used to account for autocorrelation. The results suggest that sperm whales do not use the region uniformly and that topography plays a key role in shaping their distribution. Moreover, solitary individuals were found to use the habitat differently from groups. This segregation appeared to be driven by water temperature and might reflect different needs or intraspecific competition. By shedding light on sperm whale habitat preference in such a critical area, this study represents an important step towards the implementation of conservation measures for this population. Purpose: In this study we develop a novel analytical framework that can make use of combined acoustic and tracking data and account for autocorrelation in such data. We use a multi-scale approach to investigate the pattern of sperm whale distribution around the Balearic archipelago, and the potential differences in habitat selection by single individuals versus groups. Supplemental information: Exact numbers for the presence of groups were not available, so an abundance of "2" was used as a conservative estimate. The sequences of consecutive presence points do not represent new animals being encountered, but follows of the same animals.

Purpose

In this study we develop a novel analytical framework that can make use of combined acoustic and tracking data and account for autocorrelation in such data. We use a multi-scale approach to investigate the pattern of sperm whale distribution around the Balearic archipelago, and the potential differences in habitat selection by single individuals versus groups.

Sampling Description

Study Extent

NA

Sampling

NA

Method steps

NA

Additional info

marine, harvested by iOBIS

Taxonomic Coverages

Scientific names are based on the Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS).

Physeter macrocephalus
common name: Sperm Whale rank: species

Geographic Coverages

Oceans

Bibliographic Citations

Contacts

Enrico Pirotta
originator
position: Primary contact
Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St. Andrews
email: pirotta.enrico@gmail.com

Luke Rendell
originator
position: Primary contact
Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St. Andrews
email: ler4@st-andrews.ac.uk
homepage: http://bio.st-andrews.ac.uk/staffProfile.aspx?sunID=ler4

OBIS-SEAMAP
metadata author
Marine Geospatial Ecology Lab, Duke University
A328 LSRC building
Durham
27708
NC
US
email: seamap-contact@duke.edu
homepage: http://seamap.env.duke.edu

OBIS-SEAMAP
distributor
Marine Geospatial Ecology Lab, Duke University
A328 LSRC building
Durham
27708
NC
US
email: seamap-contact@duke.edu
homepage: http://seamap.env.duke.edu

Enrico Pirotta
owner
position: Primary contact
Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St. Andrews
email: pirotta.enrico@gmail.com

Luke Rendell
owner
position: Primary contact
Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St. Andrews
email: ler4@st-andrews.ac.uk
homepage: http://bio.st-andrews.ac.uk/staffProfile.aspx?sunID=ler4

ACCOBAMS and WDCS
originator
The Agreement on the Conservation of Cetaceans of the Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea and contiguous Atlantic Area (ACCOBAMS) and Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS)
homepage: http://www.accobams.org/

Enrico Pirotta
administrative point of contact
position: Primary contact
Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St. Andrews
email: pirotta.enrico@gmail.com

Luke Rendell
administrative point of contact
position: Primary contact
Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St. Andrews
email: ler4@st-andrews.ac.uk
homepage: http://bio.st-andrews.ac.uk/staffProfile.aspx?sunID=ler4