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

dc.contributor.authorKeith, Mark
dc.contributor.authorAtkins, Shanan
dc.contributor.authorJohnson, Alice E.
dc.contributor.authorKarczmarski, Leszek
dc.contributor.emailmark.keith@up.ac.zaen_US
dc.date.accessioned2014-06-13T09:57:56Z
dc.date.available2014-06-13T09:57:56Z
dc.date.issued2013
dc.description.abstractGeographically 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.librarianhb2014en_US
dc.description.sponsorshipThe National Research Foundation (NRF Grant No. 61472), Endangered Wildlife Trust, Natal Sharks Board, Mazda Wildlife Fund and Iziko South African Museum in Cape Townen_US
dc.description.urihttp://link.springer.com/journal/10164en_US
dc.identifier.citationKeith, 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.issn0289-0771 (print)
dc.identifier.issn1439-5444 (online)
dc.identifier.other10.1007/s10164-013-0375-z
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/2263/40153
dc.language.isoenen_US
dc.publisherSpringeren_US
dc.rights© Japan Ethological Society and Springer Japan 2013. The original publication is available at : http://link.springer.com/journal/10164en_US
dc.subjectKernel density estimatesen_US
dc.subjectBehavioural habitat preferenceen_US
dc.subjectHumpback dolphinsen_US
dc.subjectCoastal conservation managementen_US
dc.subjectRichards Bay harbouren_US
dc.titleArea utilization patterns of humpback dolphins (Sousa plumbea) in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africaen_US
dc.typePostprint Articleen_US

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