1
|
Sudlovenick E, Jenkins E, Loseto L. Comparative review of One Health and Indigenous approaches to wildlife research in Inuit Nunangat. One Health 2024; 19:100846. [PMID: 39091975 PMCID: PMC11292360 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2024.100846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
There is increasing interest in One Health and Indigenous methodologies and approaches in wildlife research, but they are not widely used research applications in the Arctic. Both approaches are wide in scope and originate from different knowledge systems but are often compared synonymously. We review the literature of overlap between the term One Health and Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (Inuit Indigenous Knowledge) throughout Inuit Nunaat on wildlife research. Three databases (SCOPUS, Web of Science, and BIOSIS) were used to find English language articles and books within the bounds of Inuit Nunaat. While One Health and Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit research approaches share synergies, they are fundamentally disparate owing to their differences in epistemology, including views on the natural environment and wildlife management. We describe current examples of One Health being operationalized in Inuit Nunaat and identify potential to address larger and more complex questions about wildlife health, with examples from terrestrial and marine Arctic wildlife. Both Indigenous methodologies and One Health naturally have a human component at their core, which seamlessly lends itself to discussions on wildlife management, as human actions and regulations directly impact environment and wildlife health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E. Sudlovenick
- Centre for Earth Observation Science (CEOS), Department of Environment and Geography, University of Manitoba, 500 University Crescent, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - E. Jenkins
- Centre for Earth Observation Science (CEOS), Department of Environment and Geography, University of Manitoba, 500 University Crescent, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7H 5B4, Canada
| | - L. Loseto
- Centre for Earth Observation Science (CEOS), Department of Environment and Geography, University of Manitoba, 500 University Crescent, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
- Freshwater Institute, Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 501 University Crescent, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N6, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ellis S, Franks DW, Nielsen MLK, Weiss MN, Croft DP. The evolution of menopause in toothed whales. Nature 2024; 627:579-585. [PMID: 38480878 PMCID: PMC10954554 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07159-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Understanding how and why menopause has evolved is a long-standing challenge across disciplines. Females can typically maximize their reproductive success by reproducing for the whole of their adult life. In humans, however, women cease reproduction several decades before the end of their natural lifespan1,2. Although progress has been made in understanding the adaptive value of menopause in humans3,4, the generality of these findings remains unclear. Toothed whales are the only mammal taxon in which menopause has evolved several times5, providing a unique opportunity to test the theories of how and why menopause evolves in a comparative context. Here, we assemble and analyse a comparative database to test competing evolutionary hypotheses. We find that menopause evolved in toothed whales by females extending their lifespan without increasing their reproductive lifespan, as predicted by the 'live-long' hypotheses. We further show that menopause results in females increasing their opportunity for intergenerational help by increasing their lifespan overlap with their grandoffspring and offspring without increasing their reproductive overlap with their daughters. Our results provide an informative comparison for the evolution of human life history and demonstrate that the same pathway that led to menopause in humans can also explain the evolution of menopause in toothed whales.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Ellis
- Centre for Research in Animal Behaviour, Department of Psychology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK.
| | | | | | - Michael N Weiss
- Centre for Research in Animal Behaviour, Department of Psychology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
- Center for Whale Research, Friday Harbor, WA, USA
| | - Darren P Croft
- Centre for Research in Animal Behaviour, Department of Psychology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
- Center for Whale Research, Friday Harbor, WA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zamorano-Abramson J, Hernández-Lloreda MV. Imitation of Novel Intransitive Body Actions in a Beluga Whale ( Delphinapterus leucas): A "Do as Other Does" Study. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3763. [PMID: 38136800 PMCID: PMC10740556 DOI: 10.3390/ani13243763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Cetaceans are well known for their unique behavioral habits, such as calls and tactics. The possibility that these are acquired through social learning continues to be explored. This study investigates the ability of a young beluga whale to imitate novel behaviors. Using a do-as-other-does paradigm, the subject observed the performance of a conspecific demonstrator involving familiar and novel behaviors. The subject: (1) learned a specific 'copy' command; (2) copied 100% of the demonstrator's familiar behaviors and accurately reproduced two out of three novel actions; (3) achieved full matches on the first trial for a subset of familiar behaviors; and (4) demonstrated proficiency in coping with each familiar behavior as well as the two novel behaviors. This study provides the first experimental evidence of a beluga whale's ability to imitate novel intransitive (non-object-oriented) body movements on command. These results contribute to our understanding of the remarkable ability of cetaceans, including dolphins, orcas, and now beluga whales, to engage in multimodal imitation involving sounds and movements. This ability, rarely documented in non-human animals, has significant implications for the development of survival strategies, such as the acquisition of knowledge about natal philopatry, migration routes, and traditional feeding areas, among these marine mammals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- José Zamorano-Abramson
- Centro de Investigación en Complejidad Social, Facultad de Gobierno, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago 7610615, Chile
- Grupo UCM de Psicobiología Social, Evolutiva y Comparada, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28223 Madrid, Spain;
| | - María Victoria Hernández-Lloreda
- Grupo UCM de Psicobiología Social, Evolutiva y Comparada, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28223 Madrid, Spain;
- Departamento de Psicobiología y Metodología en Ciencias del Comportamiento, Facultad de Psicología, Campus de Somosaguas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28223 Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Storrie L, Loseto LL, Sutherland EL, MacPhee SA, O'Corry-Crowe G, Hussey NE. Do beluga whales truly migrate? Testing a key trait of the classical migration syndrome. MOVEMENT ECOLOGY 2023; 11:53. [PMID: 37649126 PMCID: PMC10469428 DOI: 10.1186/s40462-023-00416-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Migration enables organisms to access resources in separate regions that have predictable but asynchronous spatiotemporal variability in habitat quality. The classical migration syndrome is defined by key traits including directionally persistent long-distance movements during which maintenance activities are suppressed. But recently, seasonal round-trip movements have frequently been considered to constitute migration irrespective of the traits required to meet this movement type, conflating common outcomes with common traits required for a mechanistic understanding of long-distance movements. We aimed to test whether a cetacean ceases foraging during so-called migratory movements, conforming to a trait that defines classical migration. METHODS We used location and dive data collected by satellite tags deployed on beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) from the Eastern Beaufort Sea population, which undertake long-distance directed movements between summer and winter areas. To identify phases of directionally persistent travel, behavioural states (area-restricted search, ARS; or Transit) were decoded using a hidden-Markov model, based on step length and turning angle. Established dive profiles were then used as a proxy for foraging, to test the hypothesis that belugas cease foraging during these long-distance transiting movements, i.e., they suppress maintenance activities. RESULTS Belugas principally made directed horizontal movements when moving between summer and winter residency areas, remaining in a Transit state for an average of 75.4% (range = 58.5-87.2%) of the time. All individuals, however, exhibited persistent foraging during Transit movements (75.8% of hours decoded as the Transit state had ≥ 1 foraging dive). These data indicate that belugas actively search for and/or respond to resources during these long-distance movements that are typically called a migration. CONCLUSIONS The long-distance movements of belugas do not conform to the traits defining the classical migration syndrome, but instead have characteristics of both migratory and nomadic behaviour, which may prove adaptive in the face of unpredictable environmental change. Such patterns are likely present in other cetaceans that have been labeled as migratory. Examination of not only horizontal movement state, but also the vertical behaviour of aquatic animals during directed movements is essential for identifying whether a species exhibits traits of the classical migration syndrome or another long-distance movement strategy, enabling improved ecological inference.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luke Storrie
- Centre for Earth Observation Science, Department of Environment and Geography, The University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
- Freshwater Institute, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
| | - Lisa L Loseto
- Centre for Earth Observation Science, Department of Environment and Geography, The University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Freshwater Institute, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Emma L Sutherland
- Centre for Earth Observation Science, Department of Environment and Geography, The University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Freshwater Institute, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Shannon A MacPhee
- Freshwater Institute, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Greg O'Corry-Crowe
- Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Florida Atlantic University, Fort Pierce, FL, USA
| | - Nigel E Hussey
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Fraleigh DC, Archer FI, Williard AS, Hückstädt LA, Fleming AH. Possible niche compression and individual specialization in Pacific Arctic beluga ( Delphinapterus leucas) from the 19th to 20th century. Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e10230. [PMID: 37408623 PMCID: PMC10318618 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cetaceans have shown a potential to be used as sentinel species for tracking environmental change in marine ecosystems, yet our assessment of change is typically limited to recent decades and lacks ecological baselines. Using historical museum specimens, we compared community niche metrics and degree of individual dietary specialization in groups of Pacific Arctic beluga (Delphinapterus leucas) from the 1800s (n = 5) to 1900s (n = 10) using stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes drilled from teeth. Beluga occupied a broader trophic niche and demonstrated a higher degree of individual specialization in the 1800s than in the 1900s. The cause of this shift is difficult to confirm given long timescales and constraints of specimen-based research but could indicate changes in the prey base or competition. The scale and nature of this detected shift provide perspective for continued research on these climate-vulnerable species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Devin C. Fraleigh
- Center for Marine ScienceUniversity of North Carolina WilmingtonWilmingtonNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Frederick I. Archer
- Southwest Fisheries Science CenterNational Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric AdministrationLa JollaCaliforniaUSA
| | - Amanda S. Williard
- Department of Biology and Marine BiologyUniversity of North Carolina WilmingtonWilmingtonNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Luis A. Hückstädt
- Department of Biology and Marine BiologyUniversity of North Carolina WilmingtonWilmingtonNorth CarolinaUSA
- Centre for Ecology and ConservationUniversity of ExeterCornwallUK
| | - Alyson H. Fleming
- Center for Marine ScienceUniversity of North Carolina WilmingtonWilmingtonNorth CarolinaUSA
- Department of Forest & Wildlife EcologyUniversity of Wisconsin‐MadisonMadisonWisconsinUSA
- National Museum of Natural HistorySmithsonian InstitutionWashingtonDistrict of ColumbiaUSA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Shuert CR, Hussey NE, Marcoux M, Heide-Jørgensen MP, Dietz R, Auger-Méthé M. Divergent migration routes reveal contrasting energy-minimization strategies to deal with differing resource predictability. MOVEMENT ECOLOGY 2023; 11:31. [PMID: 37280701 DOI: 10.1186/s40462-023-00397-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Seasonal long-distance movements are a common feature in many taxa allowing animals to deal with seasonal habitats and life-history demands. Many species use different strategies to prioritize time- or energy-minimization, sometimes employing stop-over behaviours to offset the physiological burden of the directed movement associated with migratory behaviour. Migratory strategies are often limited by life-history and environmental constraints, but can also be modulated by the predictability of resources en route. While theory on population-wide strategies (e.g. energy-minimization) are well studied, there are increasing evidence for individual-level variation in movement patterns indicative of finer scale differences in migration strategies. METHODS We aimed to explore sources of individual variation in migration strategies for long-distance migrators using satellite telemetry location data from 41 narwhal spanning a 21-year period. Specifically, we aimed to determine and define the long-distance movement strategies adopted and how environmental variables may modulate these movements. Fine-scale movement behaviours were characterized using move-persistence models, where changes in move-persistence, highlighting autocorrelation in a movement trajectory, were evaluated against potential modulating environmental covariates. Areas of low move-persistence, indicative of area-restricted search-type behaviours, were deemed to indicate evidence of stop-overs along the migratory route. RESULTS Here, we demonstrate two divergent migratory tactics to maintain a similar overall energy-minimization strategy within a single population of narwhal. Narwhal migrating offshore exhibited more tortuous movement trajectories overall with no evidence of spatially-consistent stop-over locations across individuals. Nearshore migrating narwhal undertook more directed routes, contrasted by spatially-explicit stop-over behaviour in highly-productive fjord and canyon systems along the coast of Baffin Island for periods of several days to several weeks. CONCLUSIONS Within a single population, divergent migratory tactics can achieve a similar overall energy-minimizing strategy within a species as a response to differing trade-offs between predictable and unpredictable resources. Our methodological approach, which revealed the modulators of fine-scale migratory movements and predicted regional stop-over sites, is widely applicable to a variety of other aquatic and terrestrial species. Quantifying marine migration strategies will be key for adaptive conservation in the face of climate change and ever increasing human pressures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Courtney R Shuert
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON, N9B 3P4, Canada.
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Freshwater Institute, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N6, Canada.
| | - Nigel E Hussey
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON, N9B 3P4, Canada
| | - Marianne Marcoux
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Freshwater Institute, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N6, Canada
| | | | - Rune Dietz
- Department of Ecoscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Marie Auger-Méthé
- Institute for the Oceans & Fisheries, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
- Department of Statistics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Storrie L, Hussey NE, MacPhee SA, O'Corry‐Crowe G, Iacozza J, Barber DG, Loseto LL. Empirically testing the influence of light regime on diel activity patterns in a marine predator reveals complex interacting factors shaping behaviour. Funct Ecol 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.14172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Luke Storrie
- Centre for Earth Observation Science, Department of Environment and Geography The University of Manitoba Winnipeg MB Canada
- Freshwater Institute Fisheries and Oceans Canada Winnipeg MB Canada
| | - Nigel E. Hussey
- Department of Integrative Biology University of Windsor Windsor ON Canada
| | | | - Greg O'Corry‐Crowe
- Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute Florida Atlantic University Fort Pierce FL United States
| | - John Iacozza
- Centre for Earth Observation Science, Department of Environment and Geography The University of Manitoba Winnipeg MB Canada
| | - David G. Barber
- Centre for Earth Observation Science, Department of Environment and Geography The University of Manitoba Winnipeg MB Canada
| | - Lisa L. Loseto
- Centre for Earth Observation Science, Department of Environment and Geography The University of Manitoba Winnipeg MB Canada
- Freshwater Institute Fisheries and Oceans Canada Winnipeg MB Canada
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Greenfield MR, Durden WN, Jablonski TA, Moreland LD, Fabry AC, Gemma LY, Clifford HH. Associates from infancy influence postweaning juvenile associations for common bottlenose dolphins ( Tursiops truncatus) in Florida. J Mammal 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyac063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
In many long-lived mammalian species, association patterns between individuals have been found to influence sociality, behavioral traits, survival, and longevity. In common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), the early stages of development are of particular importance as associations experienced as dependent calves may influence future association patterns. While behavioral characteristics associated with the transition from a dependent calf state to an independent juvenile state have been documented, there are limited studies that examine associations between these time periods. This study aims to document association longevity for bottlenose dolphins as they transition from calves to juveniles and determine the extent to which kinship plays a role in the development of these associations. Using social network analysis, a generalized linear mixed model (GLMM), and a tiered association scale, we found 53.7% of associations were retained from the calf to the juvenile phase. GLMM results indicated that preferred associates (half-weight index [HWI] > 0.178) from the calf state were 3.6 times more likely to associate in the juvenile state (0.178 > HWI > 0) and 5.67 times more likely to be preferred associates in the juvenile state compared to nonpreferred calf associates. The majority of juveniles, 76.92%, maintained a low–moderate to moderate level association (0.089–0.54) with their mother, and a few retained their mother as their top associate. Kin were preferred associates in 46.15% of cases and found to be the top juvenile associate in 26.92% of cases. Identifying continuity in associations, particularly from the calving state to the juvenile state, is imperative as mammalian association patterns may influence community structure, disease transmission, reproductive success, and predict survival.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle R Greenfield
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University , Ithaca, New York , USA
- Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute , Melbourne Beach, Florida , USA
| | - Wendy N Durden
- Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute , Melbourne Beach, Florida , USA
| | | | - Lydia D Moreland
- Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute , Melbourne Beach, Florida , USA
- Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute , Fort Pierce, Florida , USA
| | - Agatha C Fabry
- Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute , Melbourne Beach, Florida , USA
| | - Lisa Y Gemma
- Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute , Melbourne Beach, Florida , USA
| | - Heidy H Clifford
- Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute , Melbourne Beach, Florida , USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Ham JR, Lilley MK, Lelekach J, Miller MR, Robeck TR, Pellis SM, Manitzas Hill HM. The emergence and early development of socio-sexual behavior in beluga calves (Delphinapterus leucas). Behav Processes 2022; 200:104695. [PMID: 35779700 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2022.104695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
While the ontogeny of beluga (Delphinapterus leucas) socio-sexual behavior has been documented in animals between 37- and 108-months-old, the first 36 months of life are yet to be examined. This study investigated how socio-sexual behaviors emerge over the first three years of life in a group of belugas in managed care. The emergence of socio-sexual behaviors was relatively consistent among immature animals. More complex behaviors, like s-posture presentations, developed in a piecemeal fashion (i.e., simple components of the behavior sequence emerged before complex components). The presence of an adult male significantly predicted if immature belugas would initiate and participate in socio-sexual behavior. However, partner preferences changed with age. In the first year of life, belugas engaged in sexual behavior with their mother most frequently but preferred to play with older males if given a choice. By the third year of life, belugas engaged in socio-sexual behavior most frequently with other immature animals. These findings enhance our understanding of how belugas develop sexually and socially and have implications for social housing practices of immature belugas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jackson R Ham
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, Canada.
| | - Malin K Lilley
- Department of Life Sciences, Texas A & M - San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Jessica Lelekach
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
| | | | | | - Sergio M Pellis
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Mayette A, Loseto L, Pearce T, Hornby C, Marcoux M. Group characteristics and spatial organization of the Eastern Beaufort Sea beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas) population using aerial photographs. CAN J ZOOL 2022. [DOI: 10.1139/cjz-2021-0232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
While it is known that beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas (Pallas, 1776)) are social animals, sociality within populations remains complex and poorly understood. Using aerial photographs taken in mid-July and early August 2019, we examined group characteristics and spatial organization of the Eastern Beaufort Sea beluga population in two distinct summering areas: (1) the continental shelf and offshore region of the southeast Beaufort Sea, and (2) the inshore of the Mackenzie Estuary. Observations revealed that the average group size was similar in both environments. A piecewise regression analysis showed that belugas were found to be most frequently within 24.6 m of another beluga in the offshore, and within 22.0 m in the inshore. The average inter-individual distance of groups composed of subadults and/or adults was greater than that of groups including younger whales in both environments. Also, the swimming direction of individuals in a group differed less in the offshore than in the inshore. We suggest that habitat shapes the types of activity conducted and that spatial cohesion within groups persists across environmental conditions but changes with age composition. By identifying elements of social structure and important areas for Eastern Beaufort Sea belugas, our results highlight the value of habitat conservation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Mayette
- University of Manitoba Clayton H Riddell Faculty of Environment Earth and Resources, 194380, Centre for Earth Observation Science (CEOS), Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Lisa Loseto
- University of Manitoba Clayton H Riddell Faculty of Environment Earth and Resources, 194380, Centre for Earth Observation Science (CEOS), Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada Central and Arctic Region, 111145, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Tristan Pearce
- University of Northern British Columbia, 6727, Department of Global & International Studies Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, Prince George, British Columbia, Canada, V2N 4Z9
| | - Claire Hornby
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada Central and Arctic Region, 111145, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Marianne Marcoux
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada Central and Arctic Region, 111145, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Chion C, Bonnell TR, Lagrois D, Michaud R, Lesage V, Dupuch A, McQuinn IH, Turgeon S. Agent-based modelling reveals a disproportionate exposure of females and calves to a local increase in shipping and associated noise in an endangered beluga population. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 173:112977. [PMID: 34583251 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112977] [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: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Vessel underwater noise (VUN) is one of the main threats to the recovery of the endangered St. Lawrence Estuary Beluga population (SLEB). The 1% yearly population decline indicates that the cumulative threats are already beyond sustainable limits for the SLEB. However, a potential threefold increase in shipping traffic is expected within its critical habitat in the coming years resulting from proposed port-industrial projects in the Saguenay River. Current data indicate that SLEB typically use multiple sectors within their summer range, likely leading to differential VUN exposure among individuals. The degree of displacement and spatial mixing among habitats are not yet well understood but can be simulated under different assumptions about movement patterns at the individual and population levels. Here, we propose using an agent-based model (ABM) to explore the biases introduced when estimating exposure to stressors such as VUN, where individual-centric movement patterns and habitat use are derived from different spatial behaviour assumptions. Simulations of the ABM revealed that alternative behavioural assumptions for individual belugas can significantly alter the estimation of instantaneous and cumulative exposure of SLEB to VUN. Our simulations also predicted that with the projected traffic increase in the Saguenay River, the characteristics making it a quiet zone for SLEB within its critical habitat would be nullified. Whereas spending more time in the Saguenay than in the Estuary allows belugas to be exposed to less noise under the current traffic regime, this relationship is reversed under the increased traffic scenario. Considering the importance of the Saguenay for SLEB females and calves, our results support the need to understand its role as a possible acoustic refuge for this endangered population. This underlines the need to understand and describe individual and collective beluga behaviours using the best available data to conduct a thorough acoustic impact assessment concerning future increased traffic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Clément Chion
- Université du Québec en Outaouais, Département des Sciences naturelles, Gatineau, QC J8X 3X7, Canada.
| | - Tyler R Bonnell
- Université du Québec en Outaouais, Département des Sciences naturelles, Gatineau, QC J8X 3X7, Canada; University of Lethbridge, Department of Psychology, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada.
| | - Dominic Lagrois
- Université du Québec en Outaouais, Département des Sciences naturelles, Gatineau, QC J8X 3X7, Canada.
| | - Robert Michaud
- Group for Research and Education on Marine Mammals (GREMM), Tadoussac, QC G0T 2A0, Canada.
| | - Véronique Lesage
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Maurice-Lamontagne Institute, Mont-Joli, QC G5H 3Z4, Canada.
| | - Angélique Dupuch
- Université du Québec en Outaouais, Département des Sciences naturelles, Gatineau, QC J8X 3X7, Canada.
| | - Ian H McQuinn
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Maurice Lamontagne Institute, Mont-Joli, QC G5H 3Z4, Canada.
| | - Samuel Turgeon
- Parks Canada, Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park, Tadoussac, QC G0T 2A0, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Ouellet J, Michaud R, Moisan M, Lesage V. Estimating the proportion of a beluga population using specific areas from connectivity patterns and abundance indices. Ecosphere 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.3560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jean‐François Ouellet
- Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada Maurice Lamontagne Institute 850 route de la Mer Mont‐Joli QuébecG5H 3Z4Canada
| | - Robert Michaud
- Group for Research and Education on Marine Mammals 108, rue de la Cale‐Sèche Tadoussac QuébecG0T 2A0Canada
| | - Michel Moisan
- Group for Research and Education on Marine Mammals 108, rue de la Cale‐Sèche Tadoussac QuébecG0T 2A0Canada
| | - Véronique Lesage
- Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada Maurice Lamontagne Institute 850 route de la Mer Mont‐Joli QuébecG5H 3Z4Canada
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Skovrind M, Louis M, Westbury MV, Garilao C, Kaschner K, Castruita JAS, Gopalakrishnan S, Knudsen SW, Haile JS, Dalén L, Meshchersky IG, Shpak OV, Glazov DM, Rozhnov VV, Litovka DI, Krasnova VV, Chernetsky AD, Bel'kovich VM, Lydersen C, Kovacs KM, Heide-Jørgensen MP, Postma L, Ferguson SH, Lorenzen ED. Circumpolar phylogeography and demographic history of beluga whales reflect past climatic fluctuations. Mol Ecol 2021; 30:2543-2559. [PMID: 33825233 DOI: 10.1111/mec.15915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Several Arctic marine mammal species are predicted to be negatively impacted by rapid sea ice loss associated with ongoing ocean warming. However, consequences for Arctic whales remain uncertain. To investigate how Arctic whales responded to past climatic fluctuations, we analysed 206 mitochondrial genomes from beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) sampled across their circumpolar range, and four nuclear genomes, covering both the Atlantic and the Pacific Arctic region. We found four well-differentiated mitochondrial lineages, which were established before the onset of the last glacial expansion ~110 thousand years ago. Our findings suggested these lineages diverged in allopatry, reflecting isolation of populations during glacial periods when the Arctic sea-shelf was covered by multiyear sea ice. Subsequent population expansion and secondary contact between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans shaped the current geographic distribution of lineages, and may have facilitated mitochondrial introgression. Our demographic reconstructions based on both mitochondrial and nuclear genomes showed markedly lower population sizes during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) compared to the preceding Eemian and current Holocene interglacial periods. Habitat modelling similarly revealed less suitable habitat during the LGM (glacial) than at present (interglacial). Together, our findings suggested the association between climate, population size, and available habitat in belugas. Forecasts for year 2100 showed that beluga habitat will decrease and shift northwards as oceans continue to warm, putatively leading to population declines in some beluga populations. Finally, we identified vulnerable populations which, if extirpated as a consequence of ocean warming, will lead to a substantial decline of species-wide haplotype diversity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Marie Louis
- GLOBE Institute, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | - Kristin Kaschner
- Department of Biometry and Environmental System Analysis, Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | | | - Steen Wilhelm Knudsen
- NIVA Denmark Water Research, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - James S Haile
- Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Love Dalén
- Centre for Palaeogenetics, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Bioinformatics and Genetics, Swedish Museum of Natural History, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ilya G Meshchersky
- A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution of Russian Academy of Science, Moscow, Russia
| | - Olga V Shpak
- A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution of Russian Academy of Science, Moscow, Russia
| | - Dmitry M Glazov
- A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution of Russian Academy of Science, Moscow, Russia
| | - Viatcheslav V Rozhnov
- A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution of Russian Academy of Science, Moscow, Russia
| | - Dennis I Litovka
- Office of Governor and Government of the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug, Anadyr, Russia
| | - Vera V Krasnova
- Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, Russian Academy of Science, Moscow, Russia
| | - Anton D Chernetsky
- Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, Russian Academy of Science, Moscow, Russia
| | | | | | | | - Mads Peter Heide-Jørgensen
- Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.,Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, Nuuk, Greenland
| | - Lianne Postma
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Sarano F, Girardet J, Sarano V, Vitry H, Preud'homme A, Heuzey R, Garcia-Cegarra AM, Madon B, Delfour F, Glotin H, Adam O, Jung JL. Kin relationships in cultural species of the marine realm: case study of a matrilineal social group of sperm whales off Mauritius island, Indian Ocean. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2021; 8:201794. [PMID: 33972866 PMCID: PMC8074673 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.201794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the organization and dynamics of social groups of marine mammals through the study of kin relationships is particularly challenging. Here, we studied a stable social group of sperm whales off Mauritius, using underwater observations, individual-specific identification, non-invasive sampling and genetic analyses based on mitochondrial sequencing and microsatellite profiling. Twenty-four sperm whales were sampled between 2017 and 2019. All individuals except one adult female shared the same mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplotype-one that is rare in the western Indian Ocean-thus confirming with near certainty the matrilineality of the group. All probable first- and second-degree kin relationships were depicted in the sperm whale social group: 13 first-degree and 27 second-degree relationships were identified. Notably, we highlight the likely case of an unrelated female having been integrated into a social unit, in that she presented a distinct mtDNA haplotype and no close relationships with any members of the group. Investigating the possible matrilineality of sperm whale cultural units (i.e. vocal clans) is the next step in our research programme to elucidate and better apprehend the complex organization of sperm whale social groups.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Justine Girardet
- Université de Brest, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, ISYEB, Brest, France
| | | | - Hugues Vitry
- Marine Megafauna Conservation Organisation, Mauritius
| | | | | | - Ana M. Garcia-Cegarra
- Centro de Investigación de Fauna Marina y Avistamiento de Cetáceos, CIFAMAC, Mejillones, Chile
- Departamento de Ciencias Básicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Santo Tomás, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Bénédicte Madon
- Université de Brest, AMURE - Aménagement des Usages des Ressources et des Espaces marins et littoraux - Centre de droit et d'économie de la mer, Plouzané, France
| | - Fabienne Delfour
- Laboratoire d'Ethologie Expérimentale et Comparée EA 4443, Université Paris 13, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Villetaneuse, France
| | - Hervé Glotin
- Toulon University, Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, LIS, DYNI Team, Marseille, France
| | - Olivier Adam
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Institut Jean Le Rond d'Alembert, UMR 7190, Paris, France
- Institute of Neurosciences Paris-Saclay, Bioacoustics Team, CNRS UMR 9197, Université Paris Sud, Orsay, France
| | - Jean-Luc Jung
- Université de Brest, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, ISYEB, Brest, France
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Van Cise AM, Wade PR, Goertz CEC, Burek-Huntington K, Parsons KM, Clauss T, Hobbs RC, Apprill A. Skin microbiome of beluga whales: spatial, temporal, and health-related dynamics. Anim Microbiome 2020; 2:39. [PMID: 33499987 PMCID: PMC7807513 DOI: 10.1186/s42523-020-00057-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Host-specific microbiomes play an important role in individual health and ecology; in marine mammals, epidermal microbiomes may be a protective barrier between the host and its aqueous environment. Understanding these epidermal-associated microbial communities, and their ecological- or health-driven variability, is the first step toward developing health indices for rapid assessment of individual or population health. In Cook Inlet, Alaska, an endangered population of beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) numbers fewer than 300 animals and continues to decline, despite more than a decade of conservation effort. Characterizing the epidermal microbiome of this species could provide insight into the ecology and health of this endangered population and allow the development of minimally invasive health indicators based on tissue samples. RESULTS We sequenced the hypervariable IV region of bacterial and archaeal SSU rRNA genes from epidermal tissue samples collected from endangered Cook Inlet beluga whales (n = 33) and the nearest neighboring population in Bristol Bay (n = 39) between 2012 and 2018. We examined the sequences using amplicon sequence variant (ASV)-based analyses, and no ASVs were associated with all individuals, indicating a greater degree of epidermal microbiome variability among beluga whales than in previously studied cetacean species and suggesting the absence of a species-specific core microbiome. Epidermal microbiome composition differed significantly between populations and across sampling years. Comparing the microbiomes of Bristol Bay individuals of known health status revealed 11 ASVs associated with potential pathogens that differed in abundance between healthy individuals and those with skin lesions or dermatitis. Molting and non-molting individuals also differed significantly in microbial diversity and the abundance of potential pathogen-associated ASVs, indicating the importance of molting in maintaining skin health. CONCLUSIONS We provide novel insights into the dynamics of Alaskan beluga whale epidermal microbial communities. A core epidermal microbiome was not identified across all animals. We characterize microbial dynamics related to population, sampling year and health state including level of skin molting. The results of this study provide a basis for future work to understand the role of the skin microbiome in beluga whale health and to develop health indices for management of the endangered Cook Inlet beluga whales, and cetaceans more broadly.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amy M Van Cise
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA, USA.
- North Gulf Oceanic Society, Visiting Scientist at Northwest Fisheries Science Center, NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Paul R Wade
- Marine Mammal Laboratory, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | | | - Kim M Parsons
- Marine Mammal Laboratory, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service, Seattle, WA, USA
- Conservation Biology Division, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Tonya Clauss
- Animal & Environmental Heath, Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Roderick C Hobbs
- Marine Mammal Laboratory (retired), Alaska Fisheries Science Center, NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Amy Apprill
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Abstract
Evolutionary explanations for mammalian sociality typically center on inclusive-fitness benefits of associating and cooperating with close kin, or close maternal kin as in some whale societies, including killer and sperm whales. Their matrilineal structure has strongly influenced the thinking about social structure in less well-studied cetaceans, including beluga whales. In a cross-sectional study of group structure and kinship we found that belugas formed a limited number of distinct group types, consistently observed across populations and habitats. Certain behaviours were associated with group type, but group membership was often dynamic. MtDNA-microsatellite profiling combined with relatedness and network analysis revealed, contrary to predictions, that most social groupings were not predominantly organized around close maternal relatives. They comprised both kin and non-kin, many group members were paternal rather than maternal relatives, and unrelated adult males often traveled together. The evolutionary mechanisms that shape beluga societies are likely complex; fitness benefits may be achieved through reciprocity, mutualism and kin selection. At the largest scales these societies are communities comprising all ages and both sexes where multiple social learning pathways involving kin and non-kin can foster the emergence of cultures. We explore the implications of these findings for species management and the evolution of menopause.
Collapse
|
17
|
Rehorek SJ, Stimmelmayr R, George JC, Suydam R, McBurney DM, Thewissen JGM. Whale tear glands in the bowhead and the beluga whales: Source and function. J Morphol 2020; 281:316-325. [DOI: 10.1002/jmor.21099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Susan J. Rehorek
- Department of BiologySlippery Rock University Slippery Rock Pennsylvania
| | - Rapahela Stimmelmayr
- Department of Wildlife ManagementNorth Slope Borough Barrow Alaska
- Institute of Artic BiologyUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks Alaska
| | - John C. George
- Department of Wildlife ManagementNorth Slope Borough Barrow Alaska
- Department of Anatomy and NeurobiologyNortheast Ohio Medical University Rootstown Ohio
| | - Robert Suydam
- Department of Wildlife ManagementNorth Slope Borough Barrow Alaska
- Department of Anatomy and NeurobiologyNortheast Ohio Medical University Rootstown Ohio
| | - Denise M. McBurney
- Department of Anatomy and NeurobiologyNortheast Ohio Medical University Rootstown Ohio
| | - JGM Thewissen
- Department of Anatomy and NeurobiologyNortheast Ohio Medical University Rootstown Ohio
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
The development of socio-sexual behavior in belugas (Delphinapterus leucas) under human care. Behav Processes 2019; 171:104025. [PMID: 31881247 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2019.104025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Although a catalog of beluga socio-sexual behavior has been established, to date, little is known about the development of beluga (Delphinapterus leucas) socio-sexual behavior. The present study explored how socio-sexual behavior developed in belugas under human care by recording the behavior of 5 belugas between years 4 and 10 of life. Overall, the presence of young male conspecifics was the most influential predictor of whether or not the subjects engaged in socio-sexual behavior, and social networks particularly emphasized the relationships between males in the social group. The subjects of the present study were also more likely to be involved in socio-sexual behavior as they matured and were more likely to be involved if they were male. Additionally, specific socio-sexual behaviors of the repertoire, including horizontal s-postures and pelvic thrusts, increased in prevalence throughout development. These findings have implications for conservation efforts as social group composition may contribute to the development of socio-sexual behavior, which in turn may influence the reproductive success of beluga populations. Furthermore, because socio-sexual behavior composes a substantial portion of a beluga's activity budget and the majority of the time spent socializing, it is likely crucial for social bonding and well-being in belugas, especially males.
Collapse
|
19
|
Stimmelmayr R, Ferrer T, Rotstein DS. Persistent Mü̈llerian duct syndrome in a beluga whale Delphinapterus leucas. DISEASES OF AQUATIC ORGANISMS 2019; 136:273-278. [PMID: 31724560 DOI: 10.3354/dao03418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
This case study describes a persistent Mü̈llerian duct syndrome (PMDS), a rare form of XY disorder of sex development (DSD), in a mature (>15 yr) beluga whale Delphinapterus leucas. The phenotypically and genetically male beluga whale had both Mü̈llerian (paramesonephric) and Wolffian (mesonephric) duct derivatives. A mild hydrometra was present. Gross and histological analyses indicated the testes were atrophied. Histopathologic findings in the testes also included fibrosis in addition to ductus deferens ductular dilation, epididymal ductular dilation, lymphoplasmacytic balanitis, uterine glandular atrophy, and endometrial fibrosis. DSDs are rarely reported in cetaceans, and PMDS has never been described in a cetacean.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raphaela Stimmelmayr
- Department of Wildlife Management, North Slope Borough, Utqiagvik, AK 99723, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Hill HM, Nollens H. Providing Belugas ( Delphinapterus leucas) in Controlled Environments Opportunities to Thrive: Health, Self-Maintenance, Species-Specific Behavior, and Choice and Control. Front Psychol 2019; 10:1776. [PMID: 31428025 PMCID: PMC6688123 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Heather M Hill
- Psychology Department, St. Mary's University, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Hendrik Nollens
- SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, Orlando, FL, United States
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Rendell L, Cantor M, Gero S, Whitehead H, Mann J. Causes and consequences of female centrality in cetacean societies. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2019; 374:20180066. [PMID: 31303160 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2018.0066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cetaceans are fully aquatic predatory mammals that have successfully colonized virtually all marine habitats. Their adaptation to these habitats, so radically different from those of their terrestrial ancestors, can give us comparative insights into the evolution of female roles and kinship in mammalian societies. We provide a review of the diversity of such roles across the Cetacea, which are unified by some key and apparently invariable life-history features. Mothers are uniparous, while paternal care is completely absent as far as we currently know. Maternal input is extensive, lasting months to many years. Hence, female reproductive rates are low, every cetacean calf is a significant investment, and offspring care is central to female fitness. Here strategies diverge, especially between toothed and baleen whales, in terms of mother-calf association and related social structures, which range from ephemeral grouping patterns to stable, multi-level, societies in which social groups are strongly organized around female kinship. Some species exhibit social and/or spatial philopatry in both sexes, a rare phenomenon in vertebrates. Communal care can be vital, especially among deep-diving species, and can be supported by female kinship. Female-based sociality, in its diverse forms, is therefore a prevailing feature of cetacean societies. Beyond the key role in offspring survival, it provides the substrate for significant vertical and horizontal cultural transmission, as well as the only definitive non-human examples of menopause. This article is part of the theme issue 'The evolution of female-biased kinship in humans and other mammals'.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luke Rendell
- 1 Sea Mammal Research Unit, School of Biology, University of St Andrews , St Andrews KY16 9TH , UK
| | - Mauricio Cantor
- 2 Departamento de Ecologia e Zoologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina , Florianópolis 88040-970 , Brazil.,3 Centro de Estudos do Mar, Universidade Federal do Paraná , Pontal do Paraná 83255-000 , Brazil.,4 School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand , Johannesburg-Braamfontein , South Africa
| | - Shane Gero
- 5 Department of Zoophysiology, Institute for Bioscience, Aarhus University , Aarhus 8000 , Denmark
| | - Hal Whitehead
- 6 Department of Biology, Dalhousie University , Halifax , Canada B3H 4J1
| | - Janet Mann
- 7 Department of Biology, Georgetown University , Washington, DC 20057 , USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Hill HM, Woodruff MJ, Noonan M. Individual differences in the behavioral characteristics of beluga whales (Dephinapterus leucas). Behav Processes 2019; 166:103885. [PMID: 31185265 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2019.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2019] [Revised: 04/22/2019] [Accepted: 06/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The topic of individual differences in animal behavior has garnered a great deal of recent attention across many species, but questions remain concerning the degree to which behavioral differences vary over time or by age and sex. The present study focused on white whales (Delphinapterus leucas), a species in which a high degree of behavioral variability may be expected due to the fact that belugas are large-brained, long-lived, and highly social in nature. A suite of 23 behavioral measures related to boldness, playfulness, sociability, and other traits were assessed in 41 seaquarium-based belugas that were housed in mixed age/sex grouping. The goals were to assess consistency within individuals over time as well as variations by age and sex. Nineteen of the 23 measures showed significant within-subject consistency over time, suggesting that stable behavioral differences appear to exist in this species. However, very few measures showed significant correlations with each other, indicating that they could not be grouped into identifiable factors that comprised recognizable clusters. It is suggested, therefore, that individual differences are best viewed as a complex array of characteristics that depend on an individual's age and contextual variables that influence the degree to which specific sets of behaviors are expressed and co-vary.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heather M Hill
- St. Mary's University, San Antonio, TX 78228, United States
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Hill HM, Dietrich S, Guarino S, Banda M, Lacy K. Preliminary observations of an unusual mouth interaction between beluga calves (Delphinapterus leucas). Zoo Biol 2018; 38:149-156. [PMID: 30566271 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2018] [Revised: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Although many animals, including odontocetes, exhibit interactions involving mouths (e.g., mouthing, nuzzling, biting), a limited number of animals display mouth-to-mouth social interactions that involve mutual coordination and collaboration. The purpose of this paper is to describe briefly a spontaneous and unexpected mouth-to-mouth social interaction between beluga calves in human care during their first year of life. Forty-seven independent events were identified after event sampling from more than 345 hr of observations of four mother-calf pairs and their companions. Unique aspects of this behavior included early emergence presumably without the benefit of a model and a preference for similar aged partners. Adult belugas did not display this social interaction. Based on its early emergence, the presence of similar-aged partner preferences, and affiliative cooperative contexts, this unusual mouth-to-mouth social interaction may play a significant role in beluga social and physical development. To evaluate this possibility, additional research is needed in which the complete topography, possible functions, and potential outcomes associated with this rare but conspicuous behavior exhibited by beluga calves are assessed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heather M Hill
- Psychology Department, St. Mary's University, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Sarah Dietrich
- State University of Buffalo New York Buffalo, Buffalo, Texas
| | | | - Magdalena Banda
- Psychology Department, St. Mary's University, San Antonio, Texas
| | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Analyses of ovarian activity reveal repeated evolution of post-reproductive lifespans in toothed whales. Sci Rep 2018; 8:12833. [PMID: 30150784 PMCID: PMC6110730 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-31047-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
In most species the reproductive system ages at the same rate as somatic tissue and individuals continue reproducing until death. However, females of three species – humans, killer whales and short-finned pilot whales – have been shown to display a markedly increased rate of reproductive senescence relative to somatic ageing. In these species, a significant proportion of females live beyond their reproductive lifespan: they have a post-reproductive lifespan. Research into this puzzling life-history strategy is hindered by the difficulties of quantifying the rate of reproductive senescence in wild populations. Here we present a method for measuring the relative rate of reproductive senescence in toothed whales using published physiological data. Of the sixteen species for which data are available (which does not include killer whales), we find that three have a significant post-reproductive lifespan: short-finned pilot whales, beluga whales and narwhals. Phylogenetic reconstruction suggests that female post-reproductive lifespans have evolved several times independently in toothed whales. Our study is the first evidence of a significant post-reproductive lifespan in beluga whales and narwhals which, when taken together with the evidence for post-reproductive lifespan in killer whales, doubles the number of non-human mammals known to exhibit post-reproductive lifespans in the wild.
Collapse
|