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Webber Q, Prokopenko C, Kingdon K, Turner J, Vander Wal E. Effects of the social environment on movement-integrated habitat selection. MOVEMENT ECOLOGY 2024; 12:61. [PMID: 39238061 PMCID: PMC11378598 DOI: 10.1186/s40462-024-00502-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Movement links the distribution of habitats with the social environment of animals using those habitats. Despite the links between movement, habitat selection, and socioecology, their integration remains a challenge due to lack of shared vocabulary across fields, methodological gaps, and the implicit (rather than explicit) historical development of theory in the fields of social and spatial ecology. Given these challenges can be addressed, opportunity for further study will provide insight about the links between social, spatial, and movement ecology. Here, our objective was to disentangle the roles of habitat selection and social association as drivers of movement in caribou (Rangifer tarandus). METHODS To accomplish our objective, we modelled the relationship between collective movement and selection of foraging habitats using socially informed integrated step selection function (iSSF). Using iSSF, we modelled the effect of social processes, i.e., nearest neighbour distance and social preference, and movement behaviour on patterns of habitat selection. RESULTS By unifying social network analysis with iSSF, we identified movement-dependent social association, where individuals took shorter steps in lichen habitat and foraged in close proximity to more familiar individuals. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrates that social preference is context-dependent based on habitat selection and foraging behaviour. We therefore surmise that habitat selection and social association are drivers of collective movement, such that movement is the glue between habitat selection and social association. Here, we put these concepts into practice to demonstrate that movement is the glue connecting individual habitat selection to the social environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quinn Webber
- Cognitive and Behavioural Ecology Interdisciplinary Program, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada.
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada.
| | - Christina Prokopenko
- Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - Katrien Kingdon
- Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - Julie Turner
- Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - Eric Vander Wal
- Cognitive and Behavioural Ecology Interdisciplinary Program, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada
- Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada
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2
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Setyawan E, Erdmann MV, Mambrasar R, Ambafen O, Hasan AW, Izuan M, Mofu I, Putra MIH, Sianipar AB, Constantine R, Stevenson BC, Jaine FRA. Spatial connectivity of reef manta rays across the Raja Ampat archipelago, Indonesia. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2024; 11:230895. [PMID: 38601035 PMCID: PMC11004681 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.230895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
The reef manta ray Mobula alfredi is present throughout most island groups that form the Raja Ampat archipelago, Indonesia. The species is protected regionally and nationally and is currently managed as a single homogeneous population within the 6.7 million ha archipelago. However, scientific evidence is currently lacking regarding the spatial connectivity and population structure of M. alfredi within this archipelago. Using network analysis and an array of 34 acoustic receivers deployed throughout Raja Ampat between February 2016 and September 2021, we examined the movements of 72 subadult and adult M. alfredi tagged in seven regions of Raja Ampat. A total of 1094 M. alfredi movements were recorded and were primarily concentrated between nearby receiver stations, highlighting frequent local movements within, and limited long-distance movements between regional acoustic receiver arrays. Network analysis revealed highly connected nodes acting as hubs important for M. alfredi movements. A community detection algorithm further indicated clusters within the network. Our results suggest the existence of a metapopulation comprising three demographically and geographically distinct subpopulations within the archipelago. They also reveal the importance of Eagle Rock as a critical node in the M. alfredi movement network, justifying the urgent inclusion of this site within the Raja Ampat marine protected area network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edy Setyawan
- Institute of Marine Science, University of Auckland, Auckland1010, New Zealand
| | - Mark V. Erdmann
- Conservation International Aotearoa, University of Auckland, Auckland1010, New Zealand
| | - Ronald Mambrasar
- West Papua Program, Konservasi Indonesia, Sorong, Papua Barat98417, Indonesia
| | - Orgenes Ambafen
- BLUD UPTD Pengelolaan KKP Kepulauan Raja Ampat, Waisai, Papua Barat98417, Indonesia
| | - Abdi W. Hasan
- West Papua Program, Konservasi Indonesia, Sorong, Papua Barat98417, Indonesia
| | - Muhamad Izuan
- West Papua Program, Konservasi Indonesia, Sorong, Papua Barat98417, Indonesia
| | - Imanuel Mofu
- BLUD UPTD Pengelolaan KKP Kepulauan Raja Ampat, Waisai, Papua Barat98417, Indonesia
| | - Mochamad I. H. Putra
- Elasmobranch and Charismatic Species Program, Konservasi Indonesia, Jakarta12550, Indonesia
| | - Abraham B. Sianipar
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia6150, Australia
| | - Rochelle Constantine
- Institute of Marine Science, University of Auckland, Auckland1010, New Zealand
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland1010, New Zealand
| | - Ben C. Stevenson
- Department of Statistics, University of Auckland, Auckland1010, New Zealand
| | - Fabrice R. A. Jaine
- Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS) Animal Tracking Facility, Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Mosman, New South Wales2088, Australia
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales2109, Australia
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3
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Albery GF, Bansal S, Silk MJ. Comparative approaches in social network ecology. Ecol Lett 2024; 27:e14345. [PMID: 38069575 DOI: 10.1111/ele.14345] [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: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
Social systems vary enormously across the animal kingdom, with important implications for ecological and evolutionary processes such as infectious disease dynamics, anti-predator defence, and the evolution of cooperation. Comparing social network structures between species offers a promising route to help disentangle the ecological and evolutionary processes that shape this diversity. Comparative analyses of networks like these are challenging and have been used relatively little in ecology, but are becoming increasingly feasible as the number of empirical datasets expands. Here, we provide an overview of multispecies comparative social network studies in ecology and evolution. We identify a range of advancements that these studies have made and key challenges that they face, and we use these to guide methodological and empirical suggestions for future research. Overall, we hope to motivate wider publication and analysis of open social network datasets in animal ecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory F Albery
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
- Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Berlin, Germany
| | - Shweta Bansal
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Matthew J Silk
- CEFE, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD, Montpellier, France
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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4
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Baker CJ, Frère CH, Franklin CE, Campbell HA, Irwin TR, Dwyer RG. Long-term tracking reveals a dynamic crocodylian social system. Anim Behav 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2023.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/28/2023]
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5
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Westrelin S, Moreau M, Fourcassié V, Santoul F. Overwintering aggregation patterns of European catfish Silurus glanis. MOVEMENT ECOLOGY 2023; 11:9. [PMID: 36750882 PMCID: PMC9903427 DOI: 10.1186/s40462-023-00373-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Animal aggregation, particularly in large-bodied species, is both a fascinating and intriguing phenomenon. Here we analyzed the overwintering behavior of the European catfish, Silurus glanis Linnaeus, 1758, the largest freshwater fish in Europe. By tracking 47 subadults and adults in a shallow lake in southeastern France, we reported a consistent aggregative behavior across four successive winters. By implementing time series analysis and Cox proportional hazard models, we investigated the dynamics of these aggregations (formation, stability, dislocation), and the factors that govern it, whether external (temperature, time of the day) or specific to the fish (size, key individuals). These aggregations lasted 1.5-2 months and mainly took place in a single small 4 m-deep area whose environmental conditions (temperature, oxygen, substrate) did not differ from other parts of the lake. In some periods during winter, all tagged fish were aggregated, which suggests that a large proportion of the lake population gathered there. Low temperatures (below 9 °C) triggered the formation of aggregations. They became more stable with decreasing temperatures, while individuals more frequently left the aggregation, preferentially at dusk and at night, when temperatures increased. The largest individuals swam more frequently back and forth to the aggregation. Irrespective of their size, some individuals consistently arrived earlier in the aggregation in winter and left later. This predictable seasonal grouping of individuals and, more generally, the knowledge provided by such studies on how species use space have important operational value and are useful for species conservation as well as for species control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Westrelin
- INRAE, Aix Marseille Univ, Pôle R&D ECLA, RECOVER, 3275 Route de Cézanne - CS 40061, 13182, Aix-en-Provence Cedex 5, France.
| | - Mathieu Moreau
- Centre de Recherches sur la Cognition Animale, Centre de Biologie Intégrative, Université Paul Sabatier, CNRS, UMR5169, Rue Marianne Grunberg-Manago, 31062, Toulouse, France
| | - Vincent Fourcassié
- Centre de Recherches sur la Cognition Animale, Centre de Biologie Intégrative, Université Paul Sabatier, CNRS, UMR5169, Rue Marianne Grunberg-Manago, 31062, Toulouse, France
| | - Frédéric Santoul
- Laboratoire Evolution et Diversité Biologique, Université Paul Sabatier, CNRS, ENFA, UMR5174 EDB, 118 Route de Narbonne, 31062, Toulouse, France
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6
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Sunga J, Webber QM, Humber J, Rodrigues B, Broders HG. Roost fidelity partially explains maternity roosting association patterns in Myotis lucifugus. Anim Behav 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2022.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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7
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Roose R, Oliver M, Haulsee D, Breece M, Carlisle A, Fox D. The sociality of Atlantic sturgeon and sand tiger sharks in estuarine environment. Anim Behav 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2022.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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8
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Perryman RJ, Mourier J, Venables SK, Tapilatu RF, Setyawan E, Brown C. Reef manta ray social dynamics depend on individual differences in behaviour. Anim Behav 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2022.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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9
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Shark Fishing vs. Conservation: Analysis and Synthesis. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14159548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The expanding shark fin market has resulted in intensive global shark fishing and with 90% of teleost fish stocks over-exploited, sharks have become the most lucrative target. As predators, they have high ecological value, are sensitive to fishing pressure, and are in decline, but the secretive nature of the fin trade and difficulties obtaining relevant data, obscure their true status. In consumer countries, shark fin is a luxury item and rich consumers pay high prices with little interest in sustainability or legal trade. Thus, market demand will continue to fuel the shark hunt and those accessible to fishing fleets are increasingly endangered. Current legal protections are not working, as exemplified by the case of the shortfin mako shark, and claims that sharks can be sustainably fished under these circumstances are shown to be misguided. In the interests of averting a catastrophic collapse across the planet’s aquatic ecosystems, sharks and their habitats must be given effective protection. We recommend that all sharks, chimaeras, manta rays, devil rays, and rhino rays be protected from international trade through an immediate CITES Appendix I listing. However, a binding international agreement for the protection of biodiversity in general is what is needed.
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10
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Genomic insights into the historical and contemporary demographics of the grey reef shark. Heredity (Edinb) 2022; 128:225-235. [PMID: 35296830 PMCID: PMC8987070 DOI: 10.1038/s41437-022-00514-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Analyses of genetic diversity can shed light on both the origins of biodiversity hotspots, as well as the conservation status of species that are impacted by human activities. With these objectives, we assembled a genomic dataset of 14,935 single nucleotide polymorphisms from 513 grey reef sharks (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos) sampled across 17 locations in the tropical Indo-Pacific. We analysed geographic variation in genetic diversity, estimated ancient and contemporary effective population size (Ne) across sampling locations (using coalescent and linkage disequilibrium methods) and modelled the history of gene flow between the Coral Triangle and the Coral Sea. Genetic diversity decreased with distance away from the Coral Triangle and north-western Australia, implying that C. amblyrhynchos may have originated in this region. Increases in Ne were detected across almost all sampling locations 40,000-90,000 generations ago (approximately 0.6-1.5 mya, given an estimated generation time of 16.4 years), suggesting a range expansion around this time. More recent, secondary increases in Ne were inferred for the Misool and North Great Barrier Reef sampling locations, but joint modelling did not clarify whether these were due to population growth, migration, or both. Despite the greater genetic diversity and ancient Ne observed at sites around Australia and the Coral Triangle, remote reefs around north-western New Caledonia had the highest contemporary Ne, demonstrating the importance of using multiple population size assessment methods. This study provides insight into both the past and present demographics of C. amblyrhynchos and contributes to our understanding of evolution in marine biodiversity hotspots.
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11
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Abstract
Despite our critical dependence on aquatic wildlife, we lack a complete understanding of the drivers of population stability and structure for most fish species. Social network analysis has been increasingly used to investigate animal societies as it explicitly links individual decision-making to population-level processes and demography. While the study of social structure is of great ecological interest, it is also potentially important for species of economic value or of conservation concern. To date however, there has been little focus on how social processes are likely to influence the conservation of fish populations. Here we identify applications for how a social network approach can help address broad fish conservation themes such as population structure, biological invasions or fisheries management. We discuss the burgeoning opportunities offered and challenges still faced by current technologies to integrate social network approaches within fish conservation.
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12
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Porcher IF. Commentary on emotion in sharks. BEHAVIOUR 2021. [DOI: 10.1163/1568539x-bja10145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
While studying the behaviour of a community of blackfin reef sharks, there was a four month long episode during which the entire company of residents and their visitors showed evidence of feeling a negative emotion towards me. They directed a variety of menacing gestures towards me, and their behaviour escalated until they began battering my kayak on my arrival in their range. Underwater, three would have slammed me personally had I not fought them off. Their behaviour suggested that their cognitive functions are complex, for they held their negative attitude in mind long-term. Two years later, under different conditions, they conveyed, via body language, a positive emotion. Social learning, social buffering, and emotional contagion were also displayed in their actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ila F. Porcher
- Independent Researcher, 15161 Cedar Boulevard, Hope, BC, Canada V0X 1L5
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13
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Baker CJ, Frère CH, Franklin CE, Campbell HA, Irwin TR, Dwyer RG. Crocodile social environments dictated by male philopatry. Behav Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/arab120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Examining the social behaviors of solitary species can be challenging due to the rarity in which interactions occur and the large and often inaccessible areas which these animals inhabit. As shared space-use is a prerequisite for the expression of social behaviors, we can gain insights into the social environments of solitary species by examining the degree of spatial overlap between individuals. Over a 10-year period, we examined how spatial overlap amongst 105 estuarine crocodiles Crocodylus porosus was influenced by season, sex, and movement tactic. We discovered that crocodiles displayed highly consistent spatial overlaps with conspecifics between months and across years. Furthermore, male crocodiles that exhibited a greater degree of site fidelity displayed more stable social environments, while females and males that were less site-attached had more dynamic social environments with spatial overlaps between conspecifics peaking during the mating season. Our results demonstrate how long-term tracking of multiple individuals within the same population can be used to quantify the spatial structure and social environment of cryptic and solitary species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cameron J Baker
- The School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Céline H Frère
- Global Change Ecology Research Group, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Australia
| | - Craig E Franklin
- The School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Hamish A Campbell
- Research Institute for Environment & Livelihoods, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Terri R Irwin
- Australia Zoo, 1638 Steve Irwin Way, Beerwah, Australia
| | - Ross G Dwyer
- The School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Global Change Ecology Research Group, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Australia
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14
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Séguigne C, Mourier J, Vignaud T, Buray N, Clua É. Effects of a COVID-19 lockdown-induced pause and resumption of artificial provisioning on blacktip reef sharks ( Carcharhinus melanopterus) and pink whiprays ( Pateobatis fai) in French Polynesia (East-Pacific). Ethology 2021; 128:119-130. [PMID: 34898773 PMCID: PMC8652997 DOI: 10.1111/eth.13246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The tourism activities linked to artificial provisioning of blacktip reef sharks (Carcharhinus melanopterus) and pink whiprays (Pateobatis fai) on a specific site in French Polynesia were suddenly and completely stopped due to a COVID‐19 lockdown that lasted 6 weeks from March 20 until April 30, 2020. Using both drone footage and underwater counting, we were able to track the abundance of those two species before, during, and after reopening and thus investigate the impact of provisioning on wild shark populations. The absence of any stimulus during this long period resulted in almost total desertion of the site by the elasmobranchs. However, 1 day prior to reopening, some individuals of both species positively reacted to the single acoustic stimulus of an engine boat, showing the resilience of conditioning, and some elasmobranchs reacted to acoustic and olfactive stimuli linked to the provisioning practice from the first day after reopening. During the first 2 weeks after reopening, the abundance of both species remained at reduced levels comparable to those observed between 2008 and 2010 for sharks; i.e., around 9 animals in the presence of local tourists. Pre‐lockdown abundance levels, reaching approximatively 15 individuals for sharks and 10 for rays, were considered restored 1 and 2 months after reopening for blacktip reef sharks and pink whiprays, respectively. These findings improve our capacity to better understand the potential effects of artificial provisioning tourism on the abundance of elasmobranchs by showing that conditioning is resilient for several weeks, suggesting that intermittent interruption of elasmobranchs feeding would not really help to decrease its impact on animal welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clémentine Séguigne
- PSL Université Paris: EPHE-UPVD-CNRS USR 3278 CRIOBE BP 1013 Papetoai French Polynesia.,Laboratoire d'Excellence "CORAIL" Moorea French Polynesia
| | - Johann Mourier
- Observatoire des Requins de Polynésie Temae French Polynesia.,Université de Corte Pasquale Paoli UMS 3514 Plateforme Marine Stella Mare Biguglia France
| | - Thomas Vignaud
- PSL Université Paris: EPHE-UPVD-CNRS USR 3278 CRIOBE BP 1013 Papetoai French Polynesia.,Laboratoire d'Excellence "CORAIL" Moorea French Polynesia
| | - Nicolas Buray
- Observatoire des Requins de Polynésie Temae French Polynesia
| | - Éric Clua
- PSL Université Paris: EPHE-UPVD-CNRS USR 3278 CRIOBE BP 1013 Papetoai French Polynesia.,Laboratoire d'Excellence "CORAIL" Moorea French Polynesia.,Observatoire des Requins de Polynésie Temae French Polynesia
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Bass NC, Day J, Guttridge TL, Mourier J, Knott NA, Vila Pouca C, Brown C. Residency and movement patterns of adult Port Jackson sharks (Heterodontus portusjacksoni) at a breeding aggregation site. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2021; 99:1455-1466. [PMID: 34270092 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.14853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Examining the movement ecology of mesopredators is fundamental to developing an understanding of their biology, ecology and behaviour, as well as the communities and ecosystems they influence. The limited research on the residency and movements of benthic marine mesopredators has primarily used visual tags, which do not allow for the efficient and accurate monitoring of individual space use. In this study, the authors investigated the residency and movement patterns of Port Jackson sharks Heterodontus portusjacksoni (Meyer 1793) at a breeding aggregation site in Jervis Bay, south-eastern Australia, using passive acoustic telemetry to further our understanding of the movement ecology of these important mesopredators. Between 2012 and 2014, individuals were tagged with acoustic transmitters, and their residency and movements within the bay were monitored for up to 4 years. H. portusjacksoni showed strong preferences for particular reefs within and between breeding seasons. Males had significantly higher residency indices at their favoured sites relative to females, suggesting that males may be engaging in territorial behaviour. Conversely, female H. portusjacksoni exhibited higher roaming indices relative to males indicating that females may move between sites to assess males. Finally, H. portusjacksoni showed temporal variation in movements between reefs with individuals typically visiting more reefs at night relative to the day, dusk and dawn corresponding with their nocturnal habits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Charles Bass
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Joanna Day
- Taronga Institute of Science and Learning, Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Mosman, New South Wale, Australia
| | | | - Johann Mourier
- UMR MARBEC (IRD, Ifremer, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS), Séte, France
| | - Nathan A Knott
- NSW Department of Primary Industry, Fisheries Research, Huskisson, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Catarina Vila Pouca
- Zoological Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
- Behavioural Ecology Group, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Culum Brown
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, New South Wales, Australia
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Baremore IE, Graham RT, Burgess GH, Castellanos DW. Movements and residency of Caribbean reef sharks at a remote atoll in Belize, Central America. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2021; 8:201036. [PMID: 34430037 PMCID: PMC8355683 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.201036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
We investigated spatial use patterns of 77 Caribbean reef sharks (Carcharhinus perezi) at Lighthouse Reef Atoll, Belize over 7 years using residency patterns, kernel density (KD) estimation and network analysis. We found a high degree individual variation in spatial use of the atoll, but there were significant differences in residency and activity space between sexes, with females being overall more resident. Ontogenetic shifts in movement and residency were largely limited to females, as the residency index increased and activity space estimates decreased as females matured, while for males there was no relationship between space use or residency and size. KD analysis revealed many mature females were highly resident to discrete locations, and average activity space of the intermediate-sized sharks was significantly larger than that of the adults, but not the smallest sharks. Markov chain analyses indicated that the southwestern portion of the atoll was the most important movement corridor for all sharks. Both the Blue Hole and Half Moon Caye Natural Monuments provide some protection for larger Caribbean reef sharks; however, a gear ban on longlines on the southwestern forereef between Long Caye and the channel entrance to the Blue Hole would maximize the benefits for all sharks.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - George H. Burgess
- Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida, Dickinson Hall, Museum Road, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
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Recent expansion of marine protected areas matches with home range of grey reef sharks. Sci Rep 2021; 11:14221. [PMID: 34244536 PMCID: PMC8270914 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-93426-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Dramatic declines in reef shark populations have been documented worldwide in response to human activities. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) offer a useful mechanism to protect these species and their roles in coral reef ecosystems. The effectiveness of MPAs notably relies on compliance together with sufficient size to encompass animal home range. Here, we measured home range of 147 grey reef sharks, Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos, using acoustic telemetry in New Caledonia. The distribution of home range was then compared to local MPA sizes. We report a home range of 12 km2 of reef for the species with strong differences between adult males (21 km2), adult females (4.4 km2) and juveniles (6.2 km2 for males, 2.7 km2 for females). Whereas local historic MPA size seemed adequate to protect reef shark home range in general, these were clearly too small when considering adult males only, which is consistent with the reported failure of MPAs to protect sharks in New Caledonia. Fortunately, the recent implementation of several orders of magnitude larger MPAs in New Caledonia and abroad show that recent Indo-Pacific MPAs are now sufficiently large to protect the home ranges of this species, including males, across its geographical range. However, protection efforts are concentrated in a few regions and cannot provide adequate protection at a global scale.
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He P, Montiglio PO, Somveille M, Cantor M, Farine DR. The role of habitat configuration in shaping animal population processes: a framework to generate quantitative predictions. Oecologia 2021; 196:649-665. [PMID: 34159423 PMCID: PMC8292241 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-021-04967-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
By shaping where individuals move, habitat configuration can fundamentally structure animal populations. Yet, we currently lack a framework for generating quantitative predictions about the role of habitat configuration in modulating population outcomes. To address this gap, we propose a modelling framework inspired by studies using networks to characterize habitat connectivity. We first define animal habitat networks, explain how they can integrate information about the different configurational features of animal habitats, and highlight the need for a bottom–up generative model that can depict realistic variations in habitat potential connectivity. Second, we describe a model for simulating animal habitat networks (available in the R package AnimalHabitatNetwork), and demonstrate its ability to generate alternative habitat configurations based on empirical data, which forms the basis for exploring the consequences of alternative habitat structures. Finally, we lay out three key research questions and demonstrate how our framework can address them. By simulating the spread of a pathogen within a population, we show how transmission properties can be impacted by both local potential connectivity and landscape-level characteristics of habitats. Our study highlights the importance of considering the underlying habitat configuration in studies linking social structure with population-level outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng He
- Department of Collective Behavior, Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, Konstanz, Germany. .,Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany. .,Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany. .,Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Science, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | | | - Marius Somveille
- Birdlife International, The David Attenborough Building, Cambridge, UK.,Department of Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA
| | - Mauricio Cantor
- Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany.,Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Science, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department for the Ecology of Animal Societies, Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, Konstanz, Germany.,Departamento de Ecologia e Zoologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Damien R Farine
- Department of Collective Behavior, Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, Konstanz, Germany.,Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany.,Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Science, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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19
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Sunga J, Webber QMR, Broders HG. Influence of number of individuals and observations per individual on a model of community structure. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0252471. [PMID: 34138887 PMCID: PMC8211201 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0252471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Social network analysis is increasingly applied to understand animal groups. However, it is rarely feasible to observe every interaction among all individuals in natural populations. Studies have assessed how missing information affects estimates of individual network positions, but less attention has been paid to metrics that characterize overall network structure such as modularity, clustering coefficient, and density. In cases such as groups displaying fission-fusion dynamics, where subgroups break apart and rejoin in changing conformations, missing information may affect estimates of global network structure differently than in groups with distinctly separated communities due to the influence single individuals can have on the connectivity of the network. Using a bat maternity group showing fission-fusion dynamics, we quantify the effect of missing data on global network measures including community detection. In our system, estimating the number of communities was less reliable than detecting community structure. Further, reliably assorting individual bats into communities required fewer individuals and fewer observations per individual than to estimate the number of communities. Specifically, our metrics of global network structure (i.e., graph density, clustering coefficient, Rcom) approached the 'real' values with increasing numbers of observations per individual and, as the number of individuals included increased, the variance in these estimates decreased. Similar to previous studies, we recommend that more observations per individual should be prioritized over including more individuals when resources are limited. We recommend caution when making conclusions about animal social networks when a substantial number of individuals or observations are missing, and when possible, suggest subsampling large datasets to observe how estimates are influenced by sampling intensity. Our study serves as an example of the reliability, or lack thereof, of global network measures with missing information, but further work is needed to determine how estimates will vary with different data collection methods, network structures, and sampling periods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Sunga
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Quinn M. R. Webber
- Cognitive and Behavioural Ecology Interdisciplinary Program, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Hugh G. Broders
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Biology, Saint Mary’s University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
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20
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Gerber L, Wittwer S, Allen SJ, Holmes KG, King SL, Sherwin WB, Wild S, Willems EP, Connor RC, Krützen M. Cooperative partner choice in multi-level male dolphin alliances. Sci Rep 2021; 11:6901. [PMID: 33767258 PMCID: PMC7994371 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-85583-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Investigations into cooperative partner choice should consider both potential and realised partners, allowing for the comparison of traits across all those available. Male bottlenose dolphins form persisting multi-level alliances. Second-order alliances of 4–14 males are the core social unit, within which 2–3 males form first-order alliances to sequester females during consortships. We compared social bond strength, relatedness and age similarity of potential and realised partners of individual males in two age periods: (i) adolescence, when second-order alliances are formed from all available associates, and (ii) adulthood, when first-order allies are selected from within second-order alliances. Social bond strength during adolescence predicted second-order alliance membership in adulthood. Moreover, males preferred same-aged or older males as second-order allies. Within second-order alliances, non-mating season social bond strength predicted first-order partner preferences during mating season consortships. Relatedness did not influence partner choice on either alliance level. There is thus a striking resemblance between male dolphins, chimpanzees and humans, where closely bonded non-relatives engage in higher-level, polyadic cooperative acts. To that end, our study extends the scope of taxa in which social bonds rather than kinship explain cooperation, providing the first evidence that such traits might have evolved independently in marine and terrestrial realms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livia Gerber
- Evolutionary Genetics Group, Department of Anthropology, University of Zurich, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Samuel Wittwer
- Evolutionary Genetics Group, Department of Anthropology, University of Zurich, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Simon J Allen
- Evolutionary Genetics Group, Department of Anthropology, University of Zurich, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland.,School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TQ, UK.,School of Biological Sciences and Oceans Institute, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Kathryn G Holmes
- School of Biological Sciences and Oceans Institute, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Stephanie L King
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TQ, UK.,School of Biological Sciences and Oceans Institute, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - William B Sherwin
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Sonja Wild
- Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour, University of Konstanz, 78464, Konstanz, Germany.,Cognitive and Cultural Ecology Research Group, Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, 78315, Radolfzell, Germany
| | - Erik P Willems
- Evolutionary Genetics Group, Department of Anthropology, University of Zurich, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Richard C Connor
- Biology Department, UMASS Dartmouth, North Dartmouth, MA, 02747, USA
| | - Michael Krützen
- Evolutionary Genetics Group, Department of Anthropology, University of Zurich, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
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21
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Abstract
Abstract
Genetic relatedness in animal societies is often a factor that drives the structure of social groups. In the marine world, most studies which have investigated this question have focused on marine mammals such as whales and dolphins. For sharks, recent studies have demonstrated preferential associations among individuals from which social communities emerge. Assortment patterns have been found according to phenotypic or behavioral traits, but the role of genetic relatedness in shaping the social structure of adult shark populations has, to the best of our knowledge, never been investigated. Here, we used a social network analysis crossed with DNA microsatellite genotyping to investigate the role of the genetic relatedness in the social structure of a blacktip reef shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus) population. Based on the data from 156 groups of sharks, we used generalized affiliation indices to isolate social preferences from nonsocial associations, controlling for the contribution of sex, size, gregariousness, spatial, and temporal overlap on social associations, to test for the influence of genetic relatedness on social structure. A double-permutation procedure was employed to confirm our results and account for issues arising from potentially elevated type I and type II error rates. Kinship was not a predictor of associations and affiliations among sharks at the dyad or community levels as individuals tended to associate independently of the genetic relatedness among them. The lack of parental care in this species may contribute to the breakdown of family links in the population early in life, thereby preventing the formation of kin-based social networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johann Mourier
- PSL Research University, EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, USR 3278, Université de Perpignan, Perpignan, France
- Laboratoire d’Excellence “CORAIL”, EPHE, PSL Research University, UPVD, CNRS, USR CRIOBE, Papetoai, Moorea, French Polynesia
- MARBEC, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD Sète, France
| | - Serge Planes
- PSL Research University, EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, USR 3278, Université de Perpignan, Perpignan, France
- Laboratoire d’Excellence “CORAIL”, EPHE, PSL Research University, UPVD, CNRS, USR CRIOBE, Papetoai, Moorea, French Polynesia
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22
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Perryman RJ, Carpenter M, Lie E, Sofronov G, Marshall AD, Brown C. Reef manta ray cephalic lobe movements are modulated during social interactions. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-021-02973-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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23
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Simulating the relative effects of movement and sociality on the distribution of animal-transported subsidies. THEOR ECOL-NETH 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s12080-020-00480-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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24
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Papastamatiou YP, Bodey TW, Caselle JE, Bradley D, Freeman R, Friedlander AM, Jacoby DMP. Multiyear social stability and social information use in reef sharks with diel fission-fusion dynamics. Proc Biol Sci 2020; 287:20201063. [PMID: 32783522 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2020.1063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Animals across vertebrate taxa form social communities and often exist as fission-fusion groups. Central place foragers (CPF) may form groups from which they will predictably disperse to forage, either individually or in smaller groups, before returning to fuse with the larger group. However, the function and stability of social associations in predatory fish acting as CPFs is unknown, as individuals do not need to return to a shelter yet show fidelity to core areas. Using dynamic social networks generated from acoustic tracking data, we document spatially structured sociality in CPF grey reef sharks at a Pacific Ocean atoll. We show that sharks form stable social groups over multiyear periods, with some dyadic associations consistent for up to 4 years. Groups primarily formed during the day, increasing in size throughout the morning before sharks dispersed from the reef at night. Our simulations suggest that multiple individuals sharing a central place and using social information while foraging (i.e. local enhancement) will outperform non-CPF social foragers. We show multiyear social stability in sharks and suggest that social foraging with information transfer could provide a generalizable mechanism for the emergence of sociality with group central place foraging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yannis P Papastamatiou
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, 3000 NE 151st Street, North Miami, FL 33181, USA
| | - Thomas W Bodey
- Environment and Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Cornwall, UK.,School of Biological Sciences, King's College, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Jennifer E Caselle
- Marine Science Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Darcy Bradley
- Marine Science Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA.,Bren School of Environmental Science and Management, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Robin Freeman
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, UK
| | - Alan M Friedlander
- Pristine Seas, National Geographic Society, Washington DC, USA.,Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Kaneohe, HI, USA
| | - David M P Jacoby
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, UK
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25
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Mourier J, Claudet J, Planes S. Human‐induced shifts in habitat use and behaviour of a marine predator: the effects of bait provisioning in the blacktip reef shark. Anim Conserv 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/acv.12630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J. Mourier
- PSL Université ParisEPHE‐UPVD‐CNRSUSR 3278 CRIOBE Perpignan France
- Laboratoire d’Excellence “CORAIL” Perpignan France
- MARBECUniv MontpellierCNRSIFREMERIRD Sète France
| | - J. Claudet
- Laboratoire d’Excellence “CORAIL” Perpignan France
- National Center for Scientific ResearchPSL Université ParisEPHE‐UPVD‐CNRSUSR 3278 CRIOBE Paris France
| | - S. Planes
- PSL Université ParisEPHE‐UPVD‐CNRSUSR 3278 CRIOBE Perpignan France
- Laboratoire d’Excellence “CORAIL” Perpignan France
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26
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Franks VR, Ewen JG, McCready M, Rowcliffe JM, Smith D, Thorogood R. Analysing age structure, residency and relatedness uncovers social network structure in aggregations of young birds. Anim Behav 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2020.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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27
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Sabando MA, Rieucau G, Bradley D, Caselle JE, Papastamatiou YP. Habitat-specific inter and intraspecific behavioral interactions among reef sharks. Oecologia 2020; 193:371-376. [PMID: 32500233 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-020-04676-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Behavioral interactions such as dominance are critical components of animal social lives, competitive abilities, and resulting distribution patterns with coexisting species. Strong interference competition can drive habitat separation, but less is known of the role of interference if agonistic interactions are weak. While most theoretical models assume interference abilities to be constant in an environment, few consider that the extent of interference can vary by habitat and change model predictions. Using baited underwater cameras, we show a consistent dominance status between two sympatric reef sharks at an uninhabited Pacific atoll. Blacktip reef shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus) and gray reef shark (Carcharhinus amblyrhyncos) relative abundance showed an inverse relationship to each other but the strength of this relationship varied by habitat. Reef shark relative abundance declined more rapidly in the presence of heterospecifics on forereef habitats as opposed to backreefs. In all habitats, gray reef sharks were more likely to bite bait cages than blacktips when both species were present, and appeared to be the dominant species. Intraspecific interactions were also apparent, with individual willingness to bite bait decreasing as the number of conspecifics increased. Gray reef sharks may exert differential control over blacktip foraging success in different habitats. Habitat-specific behavioral interactions may partially explain patterns of spatial separation between competing species where interference is weak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A Sabando
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | | | - Darcy Bradley
- Bren School of Environmental Science, University California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Jennifer E Caselle
- Marine Science Institute, University California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
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28
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Genetic relatedness cannot explain social preferences in black-and-white ruffed lemurs, Varecia variegata. Anim Behav 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2020.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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29
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Thiele M, Mourier J, Papastamatiou Y, Ballesta L, Chateauminois E, Huveneers C. Response of blacktip reef sharks Carcharhinus melanopterus to shark bite mitigation products. Sci Rep 2020; 10:3563. [PMID: 32107401 PMCID: PMC7046715 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-60062-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Globally, the frequency of shark bites is rising, resulting in an increasing demand for shark deterrents and measures to lessen the impact of shark bites on humans. Most existing shark protection measures are designed to reduce the probability of a bite, but fabrics that minimise injuries when a shark bite occurs can also be used as mitigation devices. Here, we assessed the ability of the Ocean Guardian Scuba7 and Kevlar material to reduce the likelihood of blacktip reef sharks, Carcharhinus melanopterus, from feeding, and to minimise injuries from shark bites. Sharks were enticed to consume a small piece of local reef fish (bait) placed between the two Scuba7 electrodes with the deterrents randomly being turned on or kept off. In the second experiment, the bait was attached to a small pouch made of either standard neoprene or neoprene with a protective layer of Kevlar around it. The Scuba7 reduced the proportion of baits being taken by 67%, (from 100% during control trials to 33%). Sharks also took more time to take the bait when the device was active (165 ± 20.40 s vs. 38.9 ± 3.35 s), approached at a greater distance (80.98 ± 1.72 cm vs. 38.88 ± 3.20 cm) and made a greater number of approaches per trial (19.38 ± 2.29 vs. 3.62 ± 0.53) than when the Scuba7 was inactive. The sizes of punctures from shark bites were significantly smaller on neoprene with Kevlar compared to standard neoprene (3.64 ± 0.26 mm vs. 5.88 ± 0.29 mm). The number of punctures was also fewer when Kevlar was used (14.92 ± 3.16 vs. 74.1 ± 12.44). Overall, the Ocean Guardian Scuba7 and Kevlar reduced the impact of blacktip reef shark bites. These findings may help consumers make informed decisions when purchasing shark deterring and protective products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeline Thiele
- Southern Shark Ecology Group, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, 5042, Australia
| | - Johann Mourier
- MARBEC, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, IFREMER, IRD, Sète, France.,EPHE, PSL Research University, CRIOBE USR3278 EPHECNRS-UPVD, 66860, Perpignan, France.,Labex Corail, CRIOBE, 98729, Moorea, French Polynesia
| | - Yannis Papastamatiou
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, North Miami, Florida, USA
| | | | - Eric Chateauminois
- Centre Securite Requin, 25 F avenue des artisans, zone Artisanale de la Pointe des Chateaux, 97436, Saint-Leu, Reunion Island, France
| | - Charlie Huveneers
- Southern Shark Ecology Group, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, 5042, Australia.
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30
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Bachorec E, Horáček I, Hulva P, Konečný A, Lučan RK, Jedlička P, Shohdi WM, Řeřucha Š, Abi-Said M, Bartonička T. Spatial networks differ when food supply changes: Foraging strategy of Egyptian fruit bats. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0229110. [PMID: 32097434 PMCID: PMC7041839 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0229110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Animals are faced with a range of ecological constraints that shape their behavioural decisions. Habitat features that affect resource abundance will also have an impact, especially as regards spatial distribution, which will in turn affect associations between the animals. Here we utilised a network approach, using spatial and genetic data, to describe patterns in use of space (foraging sites) by free-ranging Egyptian fruit bats (Rousettus aegyptiacus) at the Dakhla Oasis in Egypt. We observed a decrease in home range size during spring, when food availability was lowest, which was reflected by differences in space sharing networks. Our data showed that when food was abundant, space sharing networks were less connected and more related individuals shared more foraging sites. In comparison, when food was scarce the bats had few possibilities to decide where and with whom to forage. Overall, both networks had high mean degree, suggesting communal knowledge of predictable food distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Bachorec
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Masaryk University, Kotlářská, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Ivan Horáček
- Department of Zoology, Charles University in Prague, Viničná, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Hulva
- Department of Zoology, Charles University in Prague, Viničná, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Adam Konečný
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Masaryk University, Kotlářská, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Radek K. Lučan
- Department of Zoology, Charles University in Prague, Viničná, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Jedlička
- Institute of Scientific Instruments of the Czech Academy of Sciences (ISI), Královopolská, Brno, Czech Republic
| | | | - Šimon Řeřucha
- Institute of Scientific Instruments of the Czech Academy of Sciences (ISI), Královopolská, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Mounir Abi-Said
- Department of Earth and Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences II, Lebanese University, Fanar, Lebanon
| | - Tomáš Bartonička
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Masaryk University, Kotlářská, Brno, Czech Republic
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33
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Pogoreutz C, Gore MA, Perna G, Millar C, Nestler R, Ormond RF, Clarke CR, Voolstra CR. Similar bacterial communities on healthy and injured skin of black tip reef sharks. Anim Microbiome 2019; 1:9. [PMID: 33499949 PMCID: PMC7807711 DOI: 10.1186/s42523-019-0011-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Sharks are in severe global decline due to human exploitation. The additional concern of emerging diseases for this ancient group of fish, however, remains poorly understood. While wild-caught and captive sharks may be susceptible to bacterial and transmissible diseases, recent reports suggest that shark skin may harbor properties that prevent infection, such as a specialized ultrastructure or innate immune properties, possibly related to associated microbial assemblages. To assess whether bacterial community composition differs between visibly healthy and insulted (injured) shark skin, we compared bacterial assemblages of skin covering the gills and the back from 44 wild-caught black-tip reef sharks (Carcharhinus melanopterus) from the Amirante Islands (Seychelles) via 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Results Shark skin-associated bacterial communities were diverse (5971 bacterial taxa from 375 families) and dominated by three families of the phylum Proteobacteria typical of marine organisms and environments (Rhodobacteraceae, Alteromonadaceae, Halomonadaceae). Significant differences in bacterial community composition of skin were observed for sharks collected from different sites, but not between healthy or injured skin samples or skin type (gills vs. back). The core microbiome (defined as bacterial taxa present in ≥50% of all samples) consisted of 12 bacterial taxa, which are commonly observed in marine organisms, some of which may be associated with animal host health. Conclusion The conserved bacterial community composition of healthy and injured shark skin samples suggests absence of severe bacterial infections or substantial pathogen propagation upon skin insult. While a mild bacterial infection may have gone undetected, the overall conserved bacterial community implies that bacterial function(s) may be maintained in injured skin. At present, the contribution of bacteria, besides intrinsic animal host factors, to counter skin infection and support rapid wound healing in sharks are unknown. This represents clear knowledge gaps that should be addressed in future work, e.g. by screening for antimicrobial properties of skin-associated bacterial isolates. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s42523-019-0011-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Pogoreutz
- Red Sea Research Center, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mauvis A Gore
- Marine Conservation International, South Queensferry, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK.,Centre for Marine Biodiversity & Biotechnology, Heriot-Watt University, Riccarton, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
| | - Gabriela Perna
- Red Sea Research Center, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Catriona Millar
- Marine Conservation International, South Queensferry, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK.,Centre for Marine Biodiversity & Biotechnology, Heriot-Watt University, Riccarton, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
| | - Robert Nestler
- Veterinär-Physiologisch-Chemisches Institut, University of Leipzig, 04107 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Rupert F Ormond
- Marine Conservation International, South Queensferry, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK. .,Centre for Marine Biodiversity & Biotechnology, Heriot-Watt University, Riccarton, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK. .,Faculty of Marine Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia.
| | | | - Christian R Voolstra
- Red Sea Research Center, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955, Saudi Arabia. .,Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, 78457, Konstanz, Germany.
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34
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Dorning J, Harris S. Understanding the intricacy of canid social systems: Structure and temporal stability of red fox (Vulpes vulpes) groups. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0220792. [PMID: 31509536 PMCID: PMC6738593 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0220792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Red foxes have a highly flexible social system. Despite numerous studies worldwide, our understanding of the pattern and stability of fox social relationships remains limited. We applied social network analysis to camera trap data collected at high-quality foraging patches to examine the social structure of a population of urban red foxes. Foxes encountered a conspecific on 13% of patch visits, and had significant preferred and avoided companionships in all seasons. They also associated in communities that matched territorial space use, confirming that territories can be analysed separately to increase power without excluding too many social partners. Foxes maintained stable, long-term relationships with other territory residents, but the average longevity of relationships varied seasonally, suggesting that social connectivity, particularly between foxes from different social groups, is influenced by their annual life cycle. The probability of re-association after a given time lag was highest in spring and summer, during cub birth and rearing, and lowest in the winter mating season, when mean relationship duration was shorter. 33% of fox relationships lasted for four consecutive seasons and were probably between territory residents. 14% lasted for around 20 days and were probably between residents and visitors from adjacent territories. The majority (53%) lasted less than one day, particularly during dispersal and mating, and were probably between foxes from non-adjacent social groups. Social structure varied between groups; in one group the death of the dominant male caused significant social disruption for two seasons. This is the first application of social network analysis to multiple red fox social groups. However, our analyses were based on interactions at high quality food patches; social connections may differ when foxes are resting, travelling and foraging elsewhere in their territory. Our results will inform management practices, particularly for disease spread and population control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jo Dorning
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, England, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Stephen Harris
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, England, United Kingdom
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35
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Perryman RJY, Venables SK, Tapilatu RF, Marshall AD, Brown C, Franks DW. Social preferences and network structure in a population of reef manta rays. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-019-2720-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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36
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Snijders L, Kurvers RHJM, Krause S, Tump AN, Ramnarine IW, Krause J. Females facilitate male food patch discovery in a wild fish population. J Anim Ecol 2019; 88:1950-1960. [PMID: 31407342 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.13086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Revised: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Responding to the information provided by others is an important foraging strategy in many species. Through social foraging, individuals can more efficiently find unpredictable resources and thereby increase their foraging success. When individuals are more socially responsive to particular phenotypes than others, however, the advantage they obtain from foraging socially is likely to depend on the phenotype composition of the social environment. We tested this hypothesis by performing experimental manipulations of guppy, Poecilia reticulata, sex compositions in the wild. Males found fewer novel food patches in the absence of females than in mixed-sex compositions, while female patch discovery did not differ regardless of the presence or absence of males. We argue that these results were driven by sex-dependent mechanisms of social association: Markov chain-based fission-fusion modelling revealed that less social individuals found fewer patches and that males reduced sociality when females were absent. In contrast, females were similarly social with or without males. Our findings highlight the relevance of considering how individual- and population-level traits interact in shaping the advantages of social foraging in the wild.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lysanne Snijders
- Department of Biology and Ecology of Fishes, Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Leibniz-Institute of Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ralf H J M Kurvers
- Department of Biology and Ecology of Fishes, Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Berlin, Germany.,Center for Adaptive Rationality, Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stefan Krause
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Lübeck University of Applied Sciences, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Alan N Tump
- Center for Adaptive Rationality, Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Berlin, Germany
| | - Indar W Ramnarine
- Department of Life Sciences, University of the West Indies, St Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago
| | - Jens Krause
- Department of Biology and Ecology of Fishes, Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Berlin, Germany.,Faculty of Life Sciences, Humboldt-Universitӓt zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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37
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Vila Pouca C, Brown C. Lack of social preference between unfamiliar and familiar juvenile Port Jackson sharks Heterodontus portusjacksoni. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2019; 95:520-526. [PMID: 30993695 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.13982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated whether captive-reared juvenile Port Jackson sharks Heterodontus portusjacksoni choose to aggregate and if familiarity is one of the mechanisms driving social preference. In a controlled binary-choice experiment, juvenile sharks were given the option to associate or not with unfamiliar conspecifics, or to associate or not with familiar conspecifics. In neither group did juvenile H. portusjacksoni actively choose to associate with conspecifics, but familiarity decreased the proportion of time spent near a conspecific only during the initial phase of the experiment. Treatment (1 or 3 shoal mates), sex and size had no effect on aggregation behaviour. These findings suggest that familiarity is not a driver of social preferences in juvenile H. portusjacksoni, contrary to results in another shark species. Additionally, adult H. portusjacksoni form large aggregations during the breeding season and actively associate with familiar sex and size-matched individuals, thus our results suggest the species undergoes an ontogenetic shift in social behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Culum Brown
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
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38
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Fotouhi B, Momeni N, Allen B, Nowak MA. Evolution of cooperation on large networks with community structure. J R Soc Interface 2019; 16:20180677. [PMID: 30862280 PMCID: PMC6451403 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2018.0677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cooperation is a major factor in the evolution of human societies. The structure of social networks, which affects the dynamics of cooperation and other interpersonal phenomena, have common structural signatures. One of these signatures is the tendency to organize as groups. This tendency gives rise to networks with community structure, which are composed of distinct modules. In this paper, we study analytically the evolutionary game dynamics on large modular networks in the limit of weak selection. We obtain novel analytical conditions such that natural selection favours cooperation over defection. We calculate the transition point for each community to favour cooperation. We find that a critical inter-community link creation probability exists for given group density, such that the overall network supports cooperation even if individual communities inhibit it. As a byproduct, we present solutions for the critical benefit-to-cost ratio which perform with remarkable accuracy for diverse generative network models, including those with community structure and heavy-tailed degree distributions. We also demonstrate the generalizability of the results to arbitrary two-player games.
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Affiliation(s)
- Babak Fotouhi
- Program for Evolutionary Dynamics, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Institute for Quantitative Social Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Naghmeh Momeni
- Program for Evolutionary Dynamics, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) - Sloan School of Management, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Benjamin Allen
- Program for Evolutionary Dynamics, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Center for Mathematical Sciences and Applications, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Mathematics, Emmanuel College, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Martin A. Nowak
- Program for Evolutionary Dynamics, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Mathematics, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
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Matich P, Kiszka JJ, Heithaus MR, Le Bourg B, Mourier J. Inter-individual differences in ontogenetic trophic shifts among three marine predators. Oecologia 2019; 189:621-636. [PMID: 30796523 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-019-04357-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Ontogenetic niche shifts are widespread. However, individual differences in size at birth, morphology, sex, and personalities can cause variability in behavior. As such, inherent inter-individual differences within populations may lead to context-dependent changes in behavior with animal body size, which is of concern for understanding population dynamics and optimizing ecological monitoring. Using stable carbon and nitrogen isotope values from concurrently sampled tissues, we quantified the direction and magnitude of intraspecific variation in trophic shifts among three shark species, and how these changed with body size: spurdogs (Squalus spp.) in deep-sea habitats off La Réunion, bull sharks (Carcharhinus leucas) in estuarine habitats of the Florida Everglades, and blacktip reef sharks (Carcharhinus melanopterus) in coral reef ecosystems of Moorea, French Polynesia. Intraspecific variation in trophic shifts was limited among spurdogs, and decreased with body size, while bull sharks exhibited greater individual differences in trophic shifts, but also decreased in variability through ontogeny. In contrast, blacktip reef sharks exhibited increased intraspecific variation in trophic interactions with body size. Variability in trophic interactions and ontogenetic shifts are known to be associated with changes in energetic requirements, but can vary with ecological context. Our results suggest that environmental stability may affect variability within populations, and ecosystems with greater spatial and/or temporal variability in environmental conditions, and those with more diverse food webs may facilitate greater individual differences in trophic interactions, and thus ontogenetic trophic shifts. In light of concerns over environmental disturbance, elucidating the contexts that promote or dampen phenotypic variability is invaluable for predicting population- and community-level responses to environmental changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Matich
- Marine Sciences Program, Florida International University, 3000 NE 151st, North Miami, FL, 33181, USA. .,Texas Research Institute for Environmental Studies, Sam Houston State University, 2424 Sam Houston Avenue, Huntsville, TX, 77341, USA.
| | - Jeremy J Kiszka
- Marine Sciences Program, Florida International University, 3000 NE 151st, North Miami, FL, 33181, USA
| | - Michael R Heithaus
- Marine Sciences Program, Florida International University, 3000 NE 151st, North Miami, FL, 33181, USA
| | - Baptiste Le Bourg
- LIttoral ENvironnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS-Université de la Rochelle, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000, La Rochelle, France.,Laboratory of Oceanology, MARE Centre, Université de Liège, 4000, Liège, Belgium
| | - Johann Mourier
- PSL Research University: EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, USR 3278 CRIOBE, 66860, Perpignan, France.,Laboratoire d'excellence 'CORAIL', EPHE, PSL Research University, UPVD, CNRS, USR 3278 CRIOBE, Papetoai, Moorea, French Polynesia.,UMR MARBEC (IRD, Ifremer, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS), 34203, Sète, France
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40
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The role of habitat configuration in shaping social structure: a gap in studies of animal social complexity. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-018-2602-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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41
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Demographic inferences after a range expansion can be biased: the test case of the blacktip reef shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus). Heredity (Edinb) 2018; 122:759-769. [PMID: 30459340 DOI: 10.1038/s41437-018-0164-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2018] [Revised: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The evolutionary history of species is a dynamic process as they modify, expand, and contract their spatial distributions over time. Range expansions (REs) occur through a series of founder events that are followed by migration among neighboring demes. The process usually results in structured metapopulations and leaves a distinct signature in the genetic variability of species. Explicitly modeling the consequences of complex demographic events such as REs is computationally very intensive. Here we propose an an alternative approach that requires less computational effort than a comprehensive RE model, but that can recover the demography of species undergoing a RE, by combining spatially explicit modelling with simplified but realistic metapopulation models. We examine the demographic and colonization history of Carcharhinus melanopterus, an abundant reef-associated shark, as a test case. We first used a population genomics approach to statistically confirm the occurrence of a RE in C. melanopterus, and identify its origin in the Indo-Australian Archipelago. Spatial genetic modelling identified two waves of stepping-stone colonization: an eastward wave moving through the Pacific and a westward one moving through the Indian Ocean. We show that metapopulation models best describe the demographic history of this species and that not accounting for this may lead to incorrectly interpreting the observed genetic variation as signals of widespread population bottlenecks. Our study highlights insights that can be gained about demography by coupling metapopulation models with spatial modeling and underscores the need for cautious interpretation of population genetic data when advancing conservation priorities.
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42
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Social cohesion and intra-population community structure in southern Australian bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops sp.). Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-018-2557-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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43
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Chaine AS, Shizuka D, Block TA, Zhang L, Lyon BE. Manipulating badges of status only fools strangers. Ecol Lett 2018; 21:1477-1485. [DOI: 10.1111/ele.13128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Revised: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alexis S. Chaine
- Station d'Ecologie Théorique et Expérimentale du CNRS (UMR5321); Evolutionary Ecology Group; 2 route du, CNRS 09200 Moulis France
- Institute for Advanced Studies in Toulouse; Toulouse School of Economics; 21 allée de Brienne 31015 Toulouse France
| | - Daizaburo Shizuka
- School of Biological Sciences; University of Nebraska-Lincoln; NE 68588 USA
| | - Theadora A. Block
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology; University of California; Santa Cruz CA 95064 USA
| | - Lynn Zhang
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology; University of California; Santa Cruz CA 95064 USA
| | - Bruce E. Lyon
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology; University of California; Santa Cruz CA 95064 USA
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44
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Rieucau G, Kiszka JJ, Castillo JC, Mourier J, Boswell KM, Heithaus MR. Using unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) surveys and image analysis in the study of large surface-associated marine species: a case study on reef sharks Carcharhinus melanopterus shoaling behaviour. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2018; 93:119-127. [PMID: 29855056 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.13645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
A novel image analysis-based technique applied to unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) survey data is described to detect and locate individual free-ranging sharks within aggregations. The method allows rapid collection of data and quantification of fine-scale swimming and collective patterns of sharks. We demonstrate the usefulness of this technique in a small-scale case study exploring the shoaling tendencies of blacktip reef sharks Carcharhinus melanopterus in a large lagoon within Moorea, French Polynesia. Using our approach, we found that C. melanopterus displayed increased alignment with shoal companions when distributed over a sandflat where they are regularly fed for ecotourism purposes as compared with when they shoaled in a deeper adjacent channel. Our case study highlights the potential of a relatively low-cost method that combines UAV survey data and image analysis to detect differences in shoaling patterns of free-ranging sharks in shallow habitats. This approach offers an alternative to current techniques commonly used in controlled settings that require time-consuming post-processing effort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Rieucau
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, North Miami, Florida
- Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium, Chauvin, Louisiana
| | - Jeremy J Kiszka
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, North Miami, Florida
| | | | - Johann Mourier
- PSL Research University: EPHE-UPVD-ßCNRS, USR 3278 CRIOBE, Perpignan, France
- Laboratoire d'Excellence 'CORAIL', EPHE, PSL Research University, UPVD, CNRS, USR 3278 CRIOBE, Papetoai, Moorea, French Polynesia
| | - Kevin M Boswell
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, North Miami, Florida
| | - Michael R Heithaus
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, North Miami, Florida
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45
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Papastamatiou YP, Watanabe YY, Demšar U, Leos-Barajas V, Bradley D, Langrock R, Weng K, Lowe CG, Friedlander AM, Caselle JE. Activity seascapes highlight central place foraging strategies in marine predators that never stop swimming. MOVEMENT ECOLOGY 2018; 6:9. [PMID: 29951206 PMCID: PMC6011523 DOI: 10.1186/s40462-018-0127-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2018] [Accepted: 05/28/2018] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Central place foragers (CPF) rest within a central place, and theory predicts that distance of patches from this central place sets the outer limits of the foraging arena. Many marine ectothermic predators behave like CPF animals, but never stop swimming, suggesting that predators will incur 'travelling' costs while resting. Currently, it is unknown how these CPF predators behave or how modulation of behavior contributes to daily energy budgets. We combine acoustic telemetry, multi-sensor loggers, and hidden Markov models (HMMs) to generate 'activity seascapes', which combine space use with patterns of activity, for reef sharks (blacktip reef and grey reef sharks) at an unfished Pacific atoll. RESULTS Sharks of both species occupied a central place during the day within deeper, cooler water where they were less active, and became more active over a larger area at night in shallower water. However, video cameras on two grey reef sharks revealed foraging attempts/success occurring throughout the day, and that multiple sharks were refuging in common areas. A simple bioenergetics model for grey reef sharks predicted that diel changes in energy expenditure are primarily driven by changes in swim speed and not body temperature. CONCLUSIONS We provide a new method for simultaneously visualizing diel space use and behavior in marine predators, which does not require the simultaneous measure of both from each animal. We show that blacktip and grey reef sharks behave as CPFs, with diel changes in activity, horizontal and vertical space use. However, aspects of their foraging behavior may differ from other predictions of traditional CPF models. In particular, for species that never stop swimming, patch foraging times may be unrelated to patch travel distance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yannis P. Papastamatiou
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, North Miami, Florida USA
| | - Yuuki Y. Watanabe
- National Institute of Polar Research, Tachikawa, Tokyo Japan
- Department of Polar Science, SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Tachikawa, Tokyo Japan
| | - Urška Demšar
- School of Geography and Sustainable Development, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, Scotland UK
| | | | - Darcy Bradley
- Bren School of Environmental Science and Management, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California USA
| | - Roland Langrock
- Department of Business Administration and Economics, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Kevin Weng
- Department of Fisheries Science, Virginia Institute of Marine Science, College of William & Mary, Gloucester Point, Virginia USA
| | - Christopher G. Lowe
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University Long Beach, Long Beach, California USA
| | - Alan M. Friedlander
- Department of Biology, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii USA
- Pristine Seas, National Geographic Society, Washington DC, USA
| | - Jennifer E. Caselle
- Marine Science Institute, University California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California USA
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46
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Rose PE, Croft DP. Quantifying the social structure of a large captive flock of greater flamingos ( Phoenicopterus roseus ): Potential implications for management in captivity. Behav Processes 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2018.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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47
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Brena PF, Mourier J, Planes S, Clua EE. Concede or clash? Solitary sharks competing for food assess rivals to decide. Proc Biol Sci 2018; 285:rspb.2018.0006. [PMID: 29593111 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2018.0006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2018] [Accepted: 03/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
To adapt to their environment, organisms can either directly interact with their surroundings or use social information (i.e. information provided by neighbouring individuals). Social information relates to the external features of surrounding peers, and little is known about its use by solitary species. Here, we investigated the use of social cues in a solitary marine predator by creating artificial aggregations of free-ranging sicklefin lemon sharks (Negaprion acutidens). Using a novel monitoring protocol, we analysed both dominance interactions and tolerance associations between sharks competing for food in relation with the number, the morphology and the behaviour of rivals. Sharks produced more agonistic displays and spent more time around the bait as competitors were more abundant. Moreover, the morphological attributes of competitors had very limited influence on the structure of shark social interactions. Instead, sharks appeared to establish tolerance relationships with competitors according to their individual behaviour. Furthermore, the more two sharks were observed together at a given study site, the fewer agonistic interactions they exchanged. We discuss these findings as evidence of the use of social cues in a non-gregarious predatory species and suggest directions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierpaolo F Brena
- PSL Research University: EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, USR 3278 CRIOBE, 66860 Perpignan, France
| | - Johann Mourier
- PSL Research University: EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, USR 3278 CRIOBE, 66860 Perpignan, France.,Laboratoire d'excellence 'CORAIL', EPHE, PSL Research University, UPVD, CNRS, USR 3278 CRIOBE, Papetoai, Moorea, French Polynesia
| | - Serge Planes
- PSL Research University: EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, USR 3278 CRIOBE, 66860 Perpignan, France.,Laboratoire d'excellence 'CORAIL', EPHE, PSL Research University, UPVD, CNRS, USR 3278 CRIOBE, Papetoai, Moorea, French Polynesia
| | - Eric E Clua
- PSL Research University: EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, USR 3278 CRIOBE, 66860 Perpignan, France.,Laboratoire d'excellence 'CORAIL', EPHE, PSL Research University, UPVD, CNRS, USR 3278 CRIOBE, Papetoai, Moorea, French Polynesia
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48
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Li Y, Zhang H, Johnston LJ, Martin W. Understanding Tail-Biting in Pigs through Social Network Analysis. Animals (Basel) 2018; 8:ani8010013. [PMID: 29342947 PMCID: PMC5789308 DOI: 10.3390/ani8010013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2017] [Revised: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 01/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate the association between social structure and incidence of tail-biting in pigs. Pigs (n = 144, initial weight = 7.2 ± 1.57 kg, 4 weeks of age) were grouped based on their litter origin: littermates, non-littermates, and half-group of littermates. Six pens (8 pigs/pen) of each litter origin were studied for 6 weeks. Incidence of tail injury and growth performance were monitored. Behavior of pigs was video recorded for 6 h at 6 and 8 weeks of age. Video recordings were scanned at 10 min intervals to register pigs that were lying together (1) or not (0) in binary matrices. Half weight association index was used for social network construction. Social network analysis was performed using the UCINET software. Littermates had lower network density (0.119 vs. 0.174; p < 0.05), more absent social ties (20 vs. 12; p < 0.05), and fewer weak social ties (6 vs. 14, p < 0.05) than non-littermates, indicating that littermates might be less socially connected. Fifteen percent of littermates were identified as victimized pigs by tail-biting, and no victimized pigs were observed in other treatment groups. These results suggest that littermates might be less socially connected among themselves which may predispose them to development of tail-biting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuzhi Li
- West Central Research and Outreach Center, University of Minnesota, Morris, MN 56267, USA.
| | - Haifeng Zhang
- West Central Research and Outreach Center, University of Minnesota, Morris, MN 56267, USA.
| | - Lee J Johnston
- West Central Research and Outreach Center, University of Minnesota, Morris, MN 56267, USA.
| | - Wayne Martin
- Division of Agriculture, University of Minnesota Extension, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA.
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49
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Papastamatiou YP, Bodey TW, Friedlander AM, Lowe CG, Bradley D, Weng K, Priestley V, Caselle JE. Spatial separation without territoriality in shark communities. OIKOS 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/oik.04289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yannis P. Papastamatiou
- Dept of Biological Sciences; Florida International Univ.; 3000 NE 151st st, MSB 355 North Miami FL 33181 USA
| | - Thomas W. Bodey
- Center for Ecology and Conservation, Univ. of Exeter Penryn Campus; Cornwall UK
| | - Alan M. Friedlander
- Dept of Biology; Univ. of Hawaii at Manoa; HI USA
- Pristine Seas, National Geographic Society; Washington DC USA
| | | | - Darcy Bradley
- Bren School of Environmental Science and Management, Univ. of California Santa Barbara; CA USA
| | - Kevin Weng
- Dept of Fisheries Science; Virginia Inst. of Marine Sciences, VI; USA
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50
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Finger JS, Guttridge TL, Wilson ADM, Gruber SH, Krause J. Are some sharks more social than others? Short- and long-term consistencies in the social behavior of juvenile lemon sharks. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-017-2431-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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