July 2019 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Genomics of Marine Mammals workshop
by Andy Foote 21 Jul '19

21 Jul '19

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to announce the third Genomics of Marine Mammals workshop will be held at the World Marine Mammal Conference in Barcelona on Sunday 8th December, 08:30-17:30. Details can be found following this link and a summary of the workshop is given below: https://www.wmmconference.org/workshops/#Genomics%20of%20Marine%20Mammals%2… We have invited several colleagues working at the cutting edge of the field to give talks. We still have space to accommodate additional talks and would be happy to receive abstracts of studies that are at, or near, completion. Email details can be found following the link above. *Workshop Summary: *This will be the third Marine Mammal Genomics Workshop, first held at the 20thBiennial Conference in New Zealand. The last workshop was four years ago in San Francisco and resulted in a published review by workshop presenters (https://doi.org/10.1093/jhered/esw044) Genomics is a dynamic field, and new genomic data, novel techniques and methods of analysis appear monthly. We will bring together researchers in this fast-moving field to discuss new developments in marine mammal genomics including phylogenomics, population genomics, conservation genomics, museomics, proteomics, and hologenomics among others. The symposium will provide a platform to present more complex and detailed results to a more specialised audience than at the main biennial conference. Researchers will present cutting edge research on marine mammals with the aim of describing and summarizing state-of-the-art techniques and methods to workshop attendees. A panel discussion will follow the talks, so attendees and speakers will able to ask questions and interact. Andy Foote and Michael McGowen

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More papers from Shark Bay
by Simon Allen 19 Jul '19

19 Jul '19

G’day Marmamers, We’re very pleased to circulate a couple more papers from our long-term dolphin research in the eastern and western gulfs of Shark Bay (www.sharkbaydolphins.org<http://www.sharkbaydolphins.org>). Published in June was: Bizzozzero MR, Allen SJ, Gerber L, King SL, Wild S, Connor RC, Friedman W, Wittwer S, Krützen M 2019. Tool use and alliance partner choice in male bottlenose dolphins. Proceedings of the Royal Society B 286: 20190898. http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2019.0898<http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2019.0898%208> Abstract: Homophilous behaviour plays a central role in the formation of human friendships. Individuals form social ties with others that show similar phenotypic traits, independently of relatedness. Evidence of such homophily can be found in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) in Shark Bay, Western Australia, where females that use marine sponges as foraging tools often associate with other females that use sponges. ‘Sponging’ is a socially learned, time-consuming behaviour, transmitted from mother to calf. Previous research illustrated a strong female bias in adopting this technique. The lower propensity for males to engage in sponging may be due to its incompatibility with adult male-specific behaviours, particularly the formation of multi-level alliances. However, the link between sponging and male behaviour has never been formally tested. Here, we show that male spongers associated significantly more often with other male spongers irrespective of their level of relatedness. Male spongers spent significantly more time foraging, and less time resting and travelling, than did male non-spongers. Interestingly, we found no difference in time spent socializing. Our study provides novel insights into the relationship between tool use and activity budgets of male dolphins, and indicates social homophily in the second-order alliance composition of tool-using bottlenose dolphins. And published earlier this week (and open access) was: King SL, Allen SJ, Krützen M and Connor RC 2019. Vocal behaviour of allied male dolphins during cooperative mate guarding. Animal Cognition https://doi.org/10.1007/s10071-019-01290-1 Abstract: Coercive mate guarding, where males use aggression to control female movements, is a form of sexual coercion which functions to constrain female mate choice. Non-human primates, for example, herd females to keep them away from competing males, but male bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) also herd females to keep them close to their alliance partners. Indeed, pairs and trios of male dolphins work together to sequester single estrus females and defend them from competing alliances. Yet how males facilitate such coordination remains unknown. Here, we investigate the vocal behaviour of allied male bottlenose dolphins during the herding of individual females, examining how the production of whistles and ‘pops’ (a threat vocalisation) varied with behavioural state and inter-animal distances. Allied males produced both whistles and pops significantly more often and at higher rates during social interactions, though they differed in function. Whistle rates increased significantly when new individuals joined the consorting group, consistent with previous work showing that whistles are part of a greeting sequence for this species. Whistle matching also appeared to play a role in within-alliance coordination. Pop vocalisations increased significantly when the nearest male to the female changed, likely inducing the female to remain close as the males coordinate a guard switch. Building upon prior research examining female movements in response to pops, we show that males approach the female and current guard whilst popping, leading to a guard switch. Our results provide new insights into the use of vocal signals during cooperative mate guarding between allied male dolphins. All the best, Simon ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dr Simon J Allen School of Biological Sciences University of Bristol Bristol BS8 1TQ UK Mob: +44 (0) 77047 53101 Email: Simon.Allen(a)bristol.ac.uk<mailto:Simon.Allen@bristol.ac.uk> Web: http://www.sharkbaydolphins.org Twitter: @SimonJAllen1 Recent papers: Declines in dolphin survival and reproduction following a heatwave https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(19)30217-9?_return… Dolphins retain individual vocal labels in multi-level alliances https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(18)30615-8 Sexual displays involving sponges in Australian humpback dolphins http://rdcu.be/w3tL Abundance and fidelity of dolphins to a trawl fishery https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-017-05189-0<https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.natu…>

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2 year Senior postdoc in UCC Ireland
by Mark Jessopp 19 Jul '19

19 Jul '19

Senior Postdoctoral Researcher Salary range: €45,540 - €48,205 p.a. (IUA Salary Scale) Application deadline: 26th July 2019 Applications are invited for a 2 year senior postdoc position to work on the EU INTERREG funded SeaMonitor project. The Senior Post-Doctoral Researcher will investigate the space use, habitat, dive behaviour and interactions with fisheries of rehabilitated harbour seals fitted with devices that record and send data on location and dive parameters. The post will be based in the MaREI research centre in Cork, Ireland, with deployment of devices on seals in Northern Ireland. Given the cross-border nature of the position there will be a requirement for travel between Cork and Belfast for deployment of tags on seals, and travel across the programme area to attend project meetings. A PhD and previous experience in working with telemetry data, preferably seals or other marine mammals is essential. Applications via a short cover letter and C.V. should be sent to Annette O’Sullivan,(Annette.osullivan(a)ucc.ie), on or before the closing date 26th July 2019. Anticipated start date: 1st October 2019. Full post details are available at: https://www.ucc.ie/en/hr/vacancies/research/full-details-1037374-en.html ><(((º> · ` · . . . ><(((º> Dr Mark Jessopp | Lecturer in Zoology School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences | University College Cork Enterprise Centre, Distillery Field North Mall, Cork MaREI Centre, Environmental Research Institute | University College Cork T +353 (0)21 490 4653 M +353 (0)87 971 6451 www.ucc.ie/en/bees/<http://www.ucc.ie/en/bees/> www.marei.ie

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Bottlenose dolphin - Atlantic spotted dolphin project research in Venezuela. Interns and Volunteer Program 2019.
by Sergio Cobarrubia 18 Jul '19

18 Jul '19

BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN - ATLANTIC SPOTTED DOLPHIN PROJECT RESEARCH IN VENEZUELA. INTERNS AND VOLUNTEER PROGRAM 2019. Laboratory of Ecosystems and Global Change (LEGC-IVIC) and Provita. BACKGROUND: The Laboratory of Ecosystems and Global Change (LEGC) of the Venezuelan Institute of Scientific Research (IVIC, www.ivic.gob.ve) invites the first season of internships-volunteering (2019) in the study of coastal dolphins. LEGC is a scientific team that among its research lines on the fauna of coastal and riparian ecosystems, it has established the first one on aquatic mammals in Venezuela. On the other hand, Provita is an important NGO that contributes to the research and conservation in Venezuela. This research will begin with a project focused on sociobiology (social structure, social networks and bioacoustics) of resident groups of the coastal bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) and the Atlantic spotted dolphin (Stenella frontalis) in the central coast of Venezuela. This, after an experience of 5 years in that locality studying ecological aspects of T. truncatus (https://doi.org/10.1007/s13364-018-0401-1) The coast of Aragua not only houses these species, but also the Bryde's whale (Balaenoptera edeni), the common dolphin (Delphinus sp.) and the spinner dolphin (Stenella longirostris). Of which basic information is collected too. LEGC interns and volunteers are young, hard-working who are willing to contribute to research by learning as they experience fieldwork in teams, field techniques for collecting and processing data and methodologies. All team members and interns share academic space, housing in the Institute, housework in the study area, knowledge and experience in a friendly and multicultural environment. The internship consists of three weeks: The first week of theoretical-practical introduction (24 theoretical hours and 16 practicals hours) at the IVIC Ecology Center ( www.ivic.gob.ve/es/investigacion-3/centros-31/ecologia-316) The second week of seven field surveys for data collection (42 h) on the Cata Bay (Aragua state) and the third week for data processing and analysis at the IVIC Ecology Center (40 h). The volunteering consist of the second and third weeks. WHERE: Theory: LEGC, Center of Ecology (IVIC) Miranda State, Caracas (10 23 N - 66 58 W). Practice: Cata Bay, western coast of the (rain forest) National Park Henry Pittier, Aragua state (central coast of Venezuela) 150 km from Caracas (DC) (10 29 N - 67 44 W). PROGRAM: Interns (Three weeks), Volunteers (Two weeks). 1st WEEK (LEGC-Ecology Center, 40 hours. For Interns). - Monday: What is a cetacean? The cetaceans and the human in history. Origin, evolution and diversity. Adaptations for aquatic life: Anatomy and Physiology. Life histories. Biogeography Distribution. Ecology Behavior. Conservation. - Tuesday: Identification of species reported for Venezuela. Basic logistics for the study of cetaceans on the mainland, sea and air. Basic equipment to collect information. - Wednesday: How to detect cetaceans and record an effective sighting? Basic data to collect during a sighting, calibration and use of GPS. Configuration and use of the SLR cameras. Download of sightings (GIS). Download pictures and selection (software). - Thursday: Daily encounter ratio. Photo-identification as a tool for ecological and behavioral studies. Estimates of abundance. Local distribution and areas of action. - Friday: Residential patterns. Behavior (deployments, states, daily budget). Habitat use. Social structure and social networks. Bioacoustics. Saturday: Break. Sunday: Transfer to the Cata Bay. 2nd WEEK (Cata Bay-Provita, 42 hours. For Interns and Volunteers). The field surveys will be carried out in a fishing vessel of 9 m in length by 2 of beam. The field work will depend on the climatic conditions, however, the Aragua coast offers few climatic inconveniences throughout the year. There will be 7 mornings of field surveys in the week, after each survey is lunch, rest and then proceed to download the data of sightings and then interpret them preliminarily and discuss them. In the field surveys, it will be implemented: - The identification and recognition of the elements of the marine landscape and the method of tracking and detection of cetaceans. - Ethical navigation mode to study cetaceans. - The basic data collection / sighting. - Use of GPS. - Use of SRL camera. - Counting of individuals and composition of a group. - Identification of the behavioral states that configure group behavior and its recording. - Use of hydrophone. In the afternoon the information of the sightings will be downloaded: - Sighting forms. - Latitude and longitude. - Photographs and their selection. - Voice recordings (behavior). - Recordings of vocalizations. 3rd WEEK (LEGC-Ecology Center, 40 hours. For Interns and volunteers). PRACTICAL FEES: Accomodation, food and transport (airport-IVIC-Cata Bay-IVIC-airport) are paid. The cost of internships and volunteers is US $ 690 for the compensation of logistical expenses of the field surveys. For more information, please contact:sergio.cobarrubia@gmail.com. WHEN: During the year there will be 6 internships-volunteering sessions (February, April, June, August, October, November). For interns, second, third and fourth week of the months scheduled. For volunteers, third and fourth week of the scheduled months. VACANTS: 4 people / session. Not included in the rate: - Meals in restaurants - Free time activities - Personal insurance (all participants must have health and / or travel insurance) - Personal expenses. INTEREST IS EXPECTED: - Being over 18 years - Iterns: Preference will be given to undergraduate students and professional students (biology, marine biology, environmental, conservation and plus). - Volunteer: No preferences. - Have a mature attitude towards the investigation of marine mammals and environment - Be autonomous and flexible - To be able to live and work in an international team and mainly outdoors in the sea - Speak Spanish, English or Portuguese. ACADEMIC CREDITS: The LEGC will certify the work performed by intern or volunteer through a diploma with the recognition of the hours (academic-practical) worked. APPLICATION AND QUESTIONS: Applicants must write to sergio.cobarrubia(a)gmail.com with the subject "DOLPHINS PROJECT_Name". You will be sent a confirmation email with all the details about the study area and the species present, the practices and requesting your CV resume, motivation letter (small statement about what your expectations are and why you want to work with LEGC) and the internship month of your choice. Applications will be accepted throughout the year, however, early application is recommended due to limited vacancies. -- *Sergio Enrique Cobarrubia Russo* Laboratorio de Ecosistemas y Cambio Global Centro de Ecología Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas Venezuela.

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New publication on bottlenose dolphin strandings in Namibia
by Barry McGovern 17 Jul '19

17 Jul '19

Dear Colleagues, We are pleased to announce that the following note is now available in Early View: McGovern B, Gridley T, James BS, Elwen S. Risky business? A note on repeated live strandings of common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) while foraging in a shallow water environment. Mar Mam Sci. 2019;1–10. https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.12634 Abstract: Namibia is home to a population of fewer than 100 bottlenose dolphins which regularly hunt in very shallow waters. Since 1991, there have been 13 live strandings, all within a shallow tidal lagoon often used for foraging. Human intervention occurred in ten of these, assisting 47 dolphins. At least 96% of identified individuals were alive >1 year after refloating and >60% alive more than five years later. The lagoon is silting up due to human and natural changes. We discuss the role of human intervention in strandings and environmental risk assessment by wild animals in a changing environment. If you have any questions regarding our work or want a PDF copy sent to you, please don’t hesitate to contact me (b.mcgovern(a)uq.edu.au) Alternatively, a copy can be downloaded from the Sea Search Africa website http://seasearch.co.za/ . Kind regards, Barry McGovern

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New paper on predicting blue whale movement behavior from environmental variables
by Daniel Palacios 17 Jul '19

17 Jul '19

MARMAM community: I'm pleased to announce the open-access publication of the latest in a series of studies on blue whale habitat modeling using satellite telemetry and remote sensing data to come out over the last few years: Palacios, D.M., H. Bailey, E.A. Becker, S.J. Bograd, M.L. DeAngelis, K.A. Forney, E.L. Hazen, L.M. Irvine, and B.R. Mate. 2019. Ecological correlates of blue whale movement behavior and its predictability in the California Current Ecosystem during the summer-fall feeding season. Movement Ecology. doi:10.1186/s40462-019-0164-6. It can be freely downloaded at the following link: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40462-019-0164-6 *Abstract* Background Species distribution models have shown that blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus) occur seasonally in high densities in the most biologically productive regions of the California Current Ecosystem (CCE). Satellite telemetry studies have additionally shown that blue whales in the CCE regularly switch between behavioral states consistent with area-restricted searching (ARS) and transiting, indicative of foraging in and moving among prey patches, respectively. However, the relationship between the environmental correlates that serve as a proxy of prey relative to blue whale movement behavior has not been quantitatively assessed. Methods We investigated the association between blue whale behavioral state and environmental predictors in the coastal environments of the CCE using a long-term satellite tracking data set (72 tagged whales; summer-fall months 1998-2008), and predicted the likelihood of ARS behavior at tracked locations using nonparametric multiplicative regression models. The models were built using data from years of cool, productive conditions and validated against years of warm, low-productivity conditions. Results The best model contained four predictors: chlorophyll-a, sea surface temperature, and seafloor aspect and depth. This model estimated highest ARS likelihood (> 0.8) in areas with high chlorophyll-a levels (> 0.65 mg/m3), intermediate sea surface temperatures (11.6-17.5°C), and shallow depths (< 850 m). Overall, the model correctly predicted behavioral state throughout the coastal environments of the CCE, while the validation indicated an ecosystem-wide reduction in ARS likelihood during warm years, especially in the southern portion. For comparison, a spatial coordinates model (longitude × latitude) performed slightly better than the environmental model during warm years, providing further evidence that blue whales exhibit strong foraging site fidelity, even when conditions are not conducive to successful foraging. Conclusions We showed that blue whale behavioral state in the CCE was predictable from environmental correlates and that ARS behavior was most prevalent in regions of known high whale density, likely reflecting where large prey aggregations consistently develop in summer-fall. Our models of whale movement behavior enhanced our understanding of species distribution by further indicating where foraging was more likely, which could be of value in the identification of key regions of importance for endangered species in management considerations. The models also provided evidence that decadal-scale environmental fluctuations can drive shifts in the distribution and foraging success of this blue whale population. A press release accompanying the article has also been prepared: https://today.oregonstate.edu/news/modeling-predicts-blue-whales%E2%80%99-f… -- Daniel M. Palacios, Ph.D. Endowed Associate Professor in Whale Habitats Whale Telemetry Group Marine Mammal Institute and Dept. of Fisheries & Wildlife Oregon State University Hatfield Marine Science Center 2030 SE Marine Science Drive Newport, OR 97365, USA Office: HMSC 227 West Wing Phone: 541-990-2750 Fax: 541-867-0128 Email: daniel.palacios(a)oregonstate.edu MMI Profile <https://mmi.oregonstate.edu/people/daniel-m-palacios> | Google Scholar <https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=6Derh7cAAAAJ&hl=en> | ResearchGate <https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Daniel_Palacios3>

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New paper on cross-genus adoptions in delphinids
by Pamela Carzon / G.E.M.M. 17 Jul '19

17 Jul '19

Greetings all, We are pleased to share with you our new paper. Carzon P., Delfour F., Dudzinski K., Oremus M. & Clua É. (2019). Cross-genus adoptions in delphinids: One example with taxonomic discussion. Ethology, 2019;00:1–8. https://doi.org/10.1111/eth.12916 <https://doi.org/10.1111/eth.12916> Abstract Although relatively rare, adoptions have been reported in a number of mammals, involving almost exclusively individuals of the same species, and hardly ever between species or across genera. Adoption remains poorly documented and its proximate causes are controversial. Here, we describe a unique case of a cross‐genus adoption within a small community of common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) at Rangiroa Atoll in French Polynesia. It involves a foster female adopting a presumed melon‐headed whale (Peponocephala electra) calf while already mothering its presumed biological offspring. While the inclusive fitness hypothesis can be rejected for this adult female mother, acquisition of parental skills is also unlikely to have driven adoption in parallel to natural motherhood. We argue that the primiparous foster mother’s inexperience and personality may have contributed to factors driving such non‐adaptive behavior. We also propose that the adoptee’s persistence in initiating and maintaining an association with the adult female bottlenose dolphin could have played a major role in the adoption’s ultimate success, as well as the persistence of this cross‐genus adoption after the disappearance of the biological offspring. A brief discussion of adoption and hybridization within the Delphinidae taxon is included to identify how this cross‐genus adoption fits into context of marine mammal parental care. The paper is available at this link <https://doi.org/10.1111/eth.12916>. Feel free to contact me at pamelacarzon(a)gemmpacific.org <mailto:pamelacarzon@gemmpacific.org> for receiving a PDF copy. Kind regards, Pamela ---- Pamela Carzon | PhD student Groupe d'Étude des Mammifères Marins B.P. 116 Tiputa - 98776 Rangiroa Polynésie française +689 87.77.90.99 pamelacarzon(a)gemmpacific.org www.gemmpacific.org FaceBook > https://www.facebook.com/groups/gemm.dauphinsderangiroa/ <https://www.facebook.com/groups/gemm.dauphinsderangiroa/>

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PhD Opportunity (GMIT, Ireland)
by Joanne OBrien 17 Jul '19

17 Jul '19

Dear MARMAN Community, Applications are now invited for a 3 year funded PhD position at the Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT) based in The Marine and Freshwater Research Centre (MFRC), Dublin Road campus, Ireland. This PhD research will be carried out under the SEAMONITOR project. The key objectives of the research are to deploy acoustic monitoring equipment as part of the SEAMONITOR array to derive cetacean spatial models to inform management plans. Furthermore, the soundscape of the area will be described and modelled and anthropogenic threats identified. For the full PhD posting and instructions on how to apply, please visit https://www.gmit.ie/sites/default/files/public/research/docs/seamonitor-phd… The closing date for applications: Monday, 26th August 2019 at 4:00pm (GMT) Dr. Joanne O'Brien Dept. of Natural Sciences Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology Dublin Road Galway Ireland +353 (0)91 742277 Tá an ríomhphost seo faoi réir an tséanta seo leanas atá le fáil ag Séanadh Ríomhphost GMIT<http://www.gmit.ie/general/seanadh-riomhphoist> This email is subject to the following disclaimer available at GMIT Email Disclaimer<http://www.gmit.ie/general/email-disclaimer>

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Job Posting for ORCA Science Officer
by Emily Condley 17 Jul '19

17 Jul '19

ORCA is now recruiting for a Science Officer, to be based in Portsmouth, UK. About ORCA ORCA is a whale and dolphin conservation charity dedicated to the long term protection of whales, dolphins and porpoises (collectively known as cetaceans) and their habitats in UK, European and waters around the world. ORCA is committed to the study of cetaceans and promoting their conservation through enthusing, inspiring and educating others. As well as having Wildlife Officers on board ferries and cruise ships, we run regular scientific surveys, recording the species seen, their location and activity. These data help to identify areas of importance for cetaceans, and drivers of their occurrence. Our data have been collected for 18 years, and are utilised by other conservation charities, governments, researchers and students. About the Role The incumbent will be responsible for ORCA's data and its use. This includes managing large datasets and the addition of high quality data to these each year, with data being error checked and mapped in GIS. Data will be shared with external users, and analysed by the role holder to meet ORCA's strategic objectives for cetacean conservation. This includes the delivery of an annual report 'The State of European Cetaceans', and leading on peer-reviewed publications. Through these publications and existing links with other organisations and academic institutions, collaborative work will be continued. Student supervision at partner institutions will be undertaken. Additional work liaising with developers of data portals and mobile applications will be continued, and the role holder will support other work areas where required. Job Description and Person Specification Required * High level proficiency in ArcGIS * High level proficiency in R or similar programming language * Experience of peer-reviewed publication, ideally as first or last author * High level proficiency in utilising complex databases - particularly Excel and Access * High level of attention to detail * Experience of distance sampling analysis & other ecological modelling techniques * Postgraduate qualification in a related field, or 3+ years postgraduate work experience * Have an interest and enthusiasm for cetacean conservation Desirable * Field experience in marine wildlife surveys, ideally cetacean surveys * Experience with citizen science datasets Roles and Responsibilities * Organising data collection and collation from over a hundred surveys each year * Maintaining and checking of datasets for logical and spatial errors * Data extraction to meet research requests * Setup of digital data collection systems - knowledge of Microsoft Access required * Leading ORCA's peer-reviewed publications and developing collaborations * In house analyses and scientific writing for our annual report 'The State of European Cetaceans' * Creation of maps from survey data * Overseeing app and data portal development and maintenance * Provide support to the organisation of ORCA's at sea work areas when required * Oversee data volunteers, and supervise students throughout the season * Provide support to other work areas of ORCA when required The closing date for applications is midnight 31st July. Interviews will be held in Portsmouth on either the 9th and 12th August. The role will start late August in the Portsmouth office, with a hand-over period with the current Science Officer. Application Process: Please submit a CV and a covering letter to info(a)orcaweb.org.uk<mailto:info@orcaweb.org.uk> outlining a) Why are you the best person for the job? b) What is the one thing you do really well and why is it relevant to this role? c) Why do you want to work for ORCA? If you have not heard from us within 7 days of the closing date, your application has not been successful. We are unable to offer feedback at this stage. For further information about ORCA please visit our website www.orcaweb.org.uk<http://www.orcaweb.org.uk/> or contact info(a)orcaweb.org.uk<mailto:info@orcaweb.org.uk>. We look forward to receiving your applications. The ORCA Team

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New paper: Causes and consequences of female centrality in cetacean societies
by Luke Rendell 17 Jul '19

17 Jul '19

Colleagues, The following review paper has been published online this week. Please contact me at ler4(a)st-andrews.ac.uk if you would like a PDF. Best wishes, Luke Rendell L, Cantor M, Gero S, Whitehead H, Mann J. 2019 Causes and consequences of female centrality in cetacean societies. Phil. Trans. R. Soc. B 374: 20180066. http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2018.0066 https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rstb.2018.0066 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 is one contribution of 17 to a theme issue 'The evolution of female-biased kinship in humans and other mammals': https://royalsocietypublishing.org/toc/rstb/374/1780 -- Dr. Luke Rendell MASTS (masts.ac.uk) Reader in Biology Tel: (44)(0)1334 463499 E-mail: ler4(a)st-andrews.ac.uk WWW: http://biology.st-andrews.ac.uk/staff/ler4 Twitter: @_lrendell School of Biology, University of St. Andrews Sir Harold Mitchell Building, St. Andrews, Fife KY16 9TH U.K. -- I sometimes send emails at odd times but I do not expect them to be read, or to receive a response, outwith your normal working hours. The University of St Andrews is a charity registered in Scotland (SC013532)

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