Area utilization patterns of humpback dolphins (Sousa plumbea) in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

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dc.contributor.author Keith, Mark
dc.contributor.author Atkins, Shanan
dc.contributor.author Johnson, Alice E.
dc.contributor.author Karczmarski, Leszek
dc.date.accessioned 2014-06-13T09:57:56Z
dc.date.available 2014-06-13T09:57:56Z
dc.date.issued 2013
dc.description.abstract Geographically referenced data on humpback dolphin (Sousa plumbea) distribution and behaviour were collected in Richards Bay, South Africa, between 1998 and 2006. Utilization distributions presented a clear pattern in the distribution of dolphin activities and use of various locations within the study area. The 50 % kernel density estimate (core area) for foraging/feeding (2.1 km2) was clustered around the harbour mouth (including the shark net installation). The core areas for resting, socialising and travelling were more widespread ([2.95 km2). A mixed effects model indicated that location (longitude and latitude), distance from shore, year and group size are important variables in predicting foraging/feeding behaviour as opposed to other behaviours. The resting core was found in the southern part of study area and socialising was less clustered. This indicates preferential use of certain areas for specific behaviours. The overlap of foraging/ feeding areas with stationary fishing gear (shark nets) and boat traffic are a major concern due to the risk of humaninduced incidental mortalities. Any future alteration of the coastal area of Richards Bay, particularly development in the harbour, should be considered carefully, as further intrusion into areas critical to humpback dolphins, such as their foraging grounds, will inevitably carry negative implications for this already severely impacted population. en_US
dc.description.librarian hb2014 en_US
dc.description.sponsorship The National Research Foundation (NRF Grant No. 61472), Endangered Wildlife Trust, Natal Sharks Board, Mazda Wildlife Fund and Iziko South African Museum in Cape Town en_US
dc.description.uri http://link.springer.com/journal/10164 en_US
dc.identifier.citation Keith, M, Atkins, S, Johnson, AE & Karczmarski, L 2013, 'Area utilization patterns of humpback dolphins (Sousa plumbea) in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa', Journal of Ethology, vol. 31, no. 3, pp. 261-274. en_US
dc.identifier.issn 0289-0771 (print)
dc.identifier.issn 1439-5444 (online)
dc.identifier.other 10.1007/s10164-013-0375-z
dc.identifier.uri http://hdl.handle.net/2263/40153
dc.language.iso en en_US
dc.publisher Springer en_US
dc.rights © Japan Ethological Society and Springer Japan 2013. The original publication is available at : http://link.springer.com/journal/10164 en_US
dc.subject Kernel density estimates en_US
dc.subject Behavioural habitat preference en_US
dc.subject Humpback dolphins en_US
dc.subject Coastal conservation management en_US
dc.subject Richards Bay harbour en_US
dc.title Area utilization patterns of humpback dolphins (Sousa plumbea) in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa en_US
dc.type Postprint Article en_US


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