September 2019 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Consequences of culturally-driven ecological specialization: Killer whales and beyond
by Hal Whitehead 12 Jun '26

12 Jun '26

The following paper has just been published: Consequences of culturally-driven ecological specialization: Killer whales and beyond. by: Hal Whitehead and John K.B. Ford Journal of Theoretical Biology 456: 279-294 Abstract: Culturally-transmitted ecological specialization occurs in killer whales, as well as other species. We hypothesize that some of the remarkable demographic and ecological attributes of killer whales result from this process. We formalize and model (using agent-based stochastic models parametrized using killer whale life history) the cultural evolution of specialization by social groups, in which a narrowing of niche breadth is spread and maintained in a group through social learning. We compare the demographic and ecological results of cultural specialization to those of a similar model of specialization through natural selection. We found that specialization, through either the cultural or natural selection routes, is adaptive in the short term with specialization often increasing fitness. Generalization, in contrast, is rarely adaptive. The cultural evolution of specialization can lead to increased rates of group extirpation. Specialization has little effect on group size but tends to reduce population size and resource abundance. While the two specialization processes produce similar results, cultural specialization can be very much faster. The results are generally consistent with what we know of the formation and maintenance of specialist ecotypes in killer whales, and have implications for the persistence, nature and ecological effects of these apex predators. You can read a .pdf at: http://whitelab.biology.dal.ca/labpub.htm Hal Whitehead Dalhousie University hwhitehe(a)dal.ca

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Update to SOCPROG
by Hal Whitehead 01 Jul '24

01 Jul '24

A new and updated version of SOCPROG, SOCPROG2.9 (both compiled and uncompiled downloads) is available at: http://whitelab.biology.dal.ca/SOCPROG/social.htm SOCPROG is a MATLAB-based package of programs for the analysis of animal social structures, movements and populations. The compiled version does not need MATLAB itself. This version is compatible with MATLAB2018b (although it will likely work well on recent and soon-to-be-released versions of MATLAB). It fixes a few bugs and adds functionality compared to previous versions (especially association complexity). Thanks Hal Whitehead, Dalhousie University, Canada

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Summer Online Course - Manatee Health
by Larkin,Iskande (Iske) 24 Mar '21

24 Mar '21

Hi All, The University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine, Aquatic Animal Health Program would like to send notice that registration for our summer online course is open. Manatee Health and Conservation is an online course (3 credits) that will provide students (upper level undergraduate and graduate) and professionals (with an AA or higher degree) with a detailed overview of manatee natural history, health assessment, and research findings as well as explore conservation issues. More information about this class can be found here. Students enrolled at any College or University within the US or internationally can take this course. For more information about this classes or enrollment, contact Dr. Iskande Larkin (ivlarkin(a)ufl.edu<mailto:ivlarkin@ufl.edu> ). The first day of the semester is Monday May 13th. Sincerely, Dr Larkin [Description: AAH logo blue E-Mail Sig] Iske V. Larkin, PhD Lecturer & Education Coordinator Interim Director Aquatic Animal Health Program Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine University of Florida PO Box 100136 2015 SW 16th Ave Gainesville, Florida 32610 Office phone - 352-294-4095 Work cell - 352-494-1742 Fax - 352-392-8289 Program web page: http://aquatic.vetmed.ufl.edu<http://aquatic.vetmed.ufl.edu/> "To the world you might be one person, but to one person you might be the world." -Anonymous ________________________________ Please note that Florida has a broad public records law, and that all correspondence to or from University of Florida employees via email may be subject to disclosure. ________________________________

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New publication: Resistance and susceptibility of dolphins to cetacean morbillivirus (Kimberley Batley)
by Kimberley Batley 17 Mar '21

17 Mar '21

Dear all, My colleagues and I are pleased to announce the publication of the following paper: Batley KC, Sandoval‐Castillo J, Kemper CM, Attard, CRM, Zanardo, N, Tomo, I, Beheregaray, LB, Möller, LM (2018). Genome-wide association study of an unusual dolphin mortality event reveals candidate genes for susceptibility and resistance to cetacean morbillivirus. Evolutionary Applications. https://doi.org/10.1111/eva.12747 Abstract: Infectious diseases are significant demographic and evolutionary drivers of populations, but studies about the genetic basis of disease resistance and susceptibility are scarce in wildlife populations. Cetacean morbillivirus (CeMV) is a highly contagious disease that is increasing in both geographic distribution and incidence, causing unusual mortality events (UME) and killing tens of thousands of individuals across multiple cetacean species worldwide since the late 1980’s. The largest CeMV outbreak in the Southern Hemisphere reported to date occurred in Australia in 2013, where it was a major factor in a UME, killing mainly young Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus). Using cases (non-survivors) and controls (putative survivors) from the most affected population, we carried out a genome-wide association study to identify candidate genes for resistance and susceptibility to CeMV. The genomic dataset consisted of 278,147,988 sequence reads and 35,493 high quality SNPs genotyped across 38 individuals. Association analyses found highly significant differences in allele and genotype frequencies amongst cases and controls at 65 SNPs, and Random Forests conservatively identified eight as candidates. Annotation of these SNPs identified five candidate genes (MAPK8, FBXW11, INADL, ANK3, and ACOX3) with functions associated with stress, pain and immune responses. Our findings provide the first insights into the genetic basis of host defence to this highly contagious disease, enabling the development of an applied evolutionary framework to monitor CeMV resistance across cetacean species. Biomarkers could now be established to assess potential risk factors associated with these genes in other CeMV affected cetacean populations and species. These results could also possibly aid in the advancement of vaccines against morbilliviruses. The PDF is freely accessible at https://doi.org/10.1111/eva.12747 Regards, Kimberley Batley, on behalf of all co-authors Kimberley Batley PhD candidate Cetacean Ecology, Behaviour and Evolution Lab (CEBEL) Molecular Ecology Lab (MELFU) College of Science & Engineering, Flinders University P +61 8 8201 3865 | E kimberley.batley(a)flinders.edu.au www.cebel.org.au<http://www.cebel.org.au/> | www.molecularecology.flinders.edu.au<http://www.molecularecology.flinders.edu.au/>

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Clearwater Marine Aquarium Stranding Conference 2020
by Kerry Sanchez 05 Nov '19

05 Nov '19

Clearwater Marine Aquarium will be hosting our annual Stranding Conference on January 11th and 12th, 2020. Join us on the 11th in the CMA theatre for a lecture series including topics such as Manatee Health Assessment and Monitoring Efforts; drone utilization in marine mammal studies, Marine Mammal Rescue and Recovery Efforts, the value of necropsy, and much more. Join us on the 12th for poster session in the morning followed by focused breakout sessions! Light breakfast, snacks, and lunch provided. Undergraduate and Graduate students interested in careers in marine mammology, conservation, and research are encouraged to attend and network. CMA staff will be available to answer questions regarding volunteer and internship opportunities. https://www.seewinter.com/2020-stranding-conference-registration/ If you have any questions please contact Kerry Sanchez at Ksanchez(a)cmaquarium.org<mailto:Ksanchez@cmaquarium.org> or 727.441.1790 ext 301 Kerry Sánchez Senior Rescue Biologist Clearwater Marine Aquarium 249 Windward Passage Clearwater, FL 33767 727-441-1790 ext 301 www.SeeWinter.com<http://www.seewinter.com/> [cid:3CC8C79C-80D8-41B4-846D-9591EEFEB493]

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River dolphin internships in the Brazilian Amazon
by Tony 08 Oct '19

08 Oct '19

RIVER DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIPS IN BRAZIL STARTING SOON Once again, Projeto Boto is recruiting for 9-month internships in the Mamirauá Reserve, Amazon State, Brazil. We require fit, enthusiastic, hard-working fieldworkers who will carry forward our long-term study of botos (Amazon river dolphins). Due to close involvement with local communities, interns are required to have at least moderate Portuguese language skills, or to speak excellent Spanish, in addition to English. There can be no exceptions. In previous years we have received many applications from people who do not fulfil these language criteria, and this is counter-productive. Please only apply if you have the necessary skills. Projeto boto was established in 1994. To date it has hosted more than 60 interns of many different nationalities. The Project's objective is to conserve the boto, and the sympatric tucuxi, through research leading to greater understanding of the biology and ecology of these dolphins. In recent years we have also spent considerable time investigating the impacts of fisheries on these species, and especially a harpoon hunt, in which thousands of botos are killed each year for fish bait. We are seeking two people to commence work as soon as possible, and we would also like to hear from people available in mid-late 2016. Our work is centred on a floating lab/accommodation base, moored in the flooded forest. The research team comprises 3-5 people, who maintain daily observational boat-based research effort year-round. The basis of the work is the piecing together of the lives of over 600 individually recognisable dolphins, to provide publishable information on such diverse topics as growth, reproduction, habitat use, social system, seasonal movements, survival rates, causes of mortality etc. Interns are provided with free accommodation and food, and receive a small monthly stipend (approx $150 US). Transportation to the fieldsite (near the town of Tefé, Amazonas) from Manaus is provided, but interns must arrange and pay for their own transportation to Manaus. They must also have adequate medical insurance. Please do not apply unless you know that you can obtain the airfare to reach Manaus. All necessary training is provided on site. Internships offer the opportunity of a lifetime. They reward hard work and dedication with unique experiences and a chance to stand out from the crowd in subsequent applications for higher degrees and employment. Successful applicants will: be aged 21-35 speak at least moderate Portuguese or fluent Spanish, in addition to English be available for 9-12 months have completed a university degree, preferably in zoology or biology preferably have some fieldwork experience, especially in the use of photo-ID Applicants should please provide: Full CV, complete with age, nationality, linguistic skills, educational and fieldwork experience A letter explaining why you are prepared to dedicate 9 months of your life to this study. The names and email addresses of 3 referees who are familiar with you and your work. The date on which you would be available to start work in the Amazon. Send this information by email to both of the Project co-ordinators, Prof. Tony Martin (boto(a)live.co.uk) and Dr Vera da Silva (vmfdasilva(a)gmail.com) Closing date is 24 November 2015. Applications fulfilling the above criteria will be acknowledged within 4 days of the closing date, but there will be no further communication unless the applicant is short-listed. Short-listed applicants will be notified by 30 November latest.

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New Bottlenose Dolphin Publications
by Ashley Barratclough 30 Sep '19

30 Sep '19

Dear All, We are pleased to announce the following publications on bottlenose dolphins, one as a clinical tool to estimate age radiographically and a second showing normal reference ranges for biochemistry and haematology during successful dolphin pregnancy: Article 1: Barratclough, Ashley, Roberto Sanz-Requena, Luis Marti-Bonmati, Todd L. Schmitt, Eric Jensen, and Daniel García-Párraga. "Radiographic assessment of pectoral flipper bone maturation in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), as a novel technique to accurately estimate chronological age." PloS one 14, no. 9 (2019): e0222722. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0222722 <https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0222722> <>Abstract: Accurate age estimation in wildlife conservation is an important diagnostic tool in the interpretation of biological data, necropsy examination, reproductive status and population demographics. The most frequently utilized methods to age bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) include tooth extraction; counting dental growth layer groups and dental radiography. These methods are inaccurate in dolphins > 13 years old, due to overlapping of the growth layer groups in dolphins and worn teeth. Establishing a non-invasive method of accurately aging bottlenose dolphins across the entire age range is important to long term conservation efforts to understand health status, lifespan, reproduction and survivability. A database of 126 radiographs from 94 dolphins of known chronological age was utilized to establish the stages of skeletal ossification over time. A numerical score from -1 to 8 was assigned to 16 anatomic locations on the pectoral radiograph, to create a formula to estimate age. The most informative areas to evaluate morphologically were the metaphyseal regions of the radius and ulna, and the proximal and distal epiphysis of metacarpals II and III. Third order polynomial regression calculated separate age predictor formulas for male and female dolphins, with females reaching sexual maturity earlier than males. Completion of epiphyseal closure of the long bones correlated with average sexual maturity. Managed care dolphin ages could be properly estimated with decreasing precision from within 3 months in animals < 5 years old, to within 5 years in animals > 30 years old. This diagnostic tool could also be applied to diagnose atypical ossification patterns consistent with nutritional, developmental or growth abnormalities, and identifying subclinical health issues. In conclusion, knowledge of the lifespan and the onset of sexual maturity for each species will allow this model to be applied to other cetaceans, facilitating age estimation via pectoral radiography in future research. Article 2: Barratclough, Ashley, Forrest M. Gomez, Jeanine S. Morey, Alissa Deming, Celeste Parry, Jennifer M. Meegan, Kevin P. Carlin et al. "Pregnancy profiles in the common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus): Clinical biochemical and hematological variations during healthy gestation and a successful outcome." Theriogenology (2019). https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0093691X19304200 <https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0093691X19304200> Abstract The physiological demands of pregnancy inevitably result in changes of both biochemical and hematological parameters as the fetus develops. Alterations in blood parameters have been observed to shift according to both trimester and species, to support fetal physiological needs and maternal basal requirements. Establishing normal reference ranges for each stage in gestation is important to facilitate diagnosis of underlying health concerns and prevent over-diagnosing abnormalities. Despite bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) being one of the most highly studied cetaceans, the blood profile changes occurring as a result of pregnancy have not been previously described. A retrospective analysis was performed from blood samples obtained from 42 successful pregnancies from 20 bottlenose dolphins in a managed population over 30 years. Samples were compared to non-pregnant states and among trimesters of pregnancy. Blood profile fluctuations occurred throughout gestation, however significant alterations predominantly occurred between the 2nd and 3rd trimester. Hematological changes from the 2nd to the 3rd trimester included a decrease in lymphocytes, decrease in platelet count, and hemoconcentration with increased hematocrit and hemoglobin. Biochemical changes in the 3rd trimester included significant reductions in ALKP (alkaline phosphatase), ALT (alanine aminotransferase) and AST (aspartate aminotransferase) with significant increases observed in albumin, globulins, total protein, cholesterol, triglycerides and CO2. It's important to note that despite significant shifts occurring between the 2nd and 3rd trimester, there was no significant change in platelets, hematocrit, hemoglobin, lymphocytes or CO2 between non-pregnant and 3rd trimester blood samples. The normal reference ranges for each trimester established herein, will enable future identification of abnormalities occurring during pregnancy and help improve our understanding of factors potentially influencing a failed or successful pregnancy outcome. Please email me (ashley.barratclough(a)nmmpfoundation.org) if you would like a PDF copy of the papers (both will be open access) or if you have any questions. Cheers, Ashley

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UKIRSC conference announcement: 10th-11th January 2020
by Izzy Langley 30 Sep '19

30 Sep '19

Dear MARMAM community, The committee of the UK and Ireland Regional Student Chapter (UKIRSC) of the Society for Marine Mammalogy are pleased to announce our 14th annual conference. This year our meeting will be held on the 10th and 11th January 2020 at the Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology in Galway, Republic of Ireland. This is a free conference which aims to bring together students interested in marine mammals from across the UK and Ireland. We encourage students to present their work in the form of posters, speed talks and 15 minute slots, along with the opportunity to network. We will also be running workshops and organising talks by invited experts within the field. The event will kick-off with an ice-breaker event on Thursday 9th January, and will close with a conference dinner on Saturday 11th January. Registration and abstract submission will be opening soon! Deadline for this will be the 20th December 2019. For more information please visit our website: https://synergy.st-andrews.ac.uk/ukrsc/conference-2020/ follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UKIRSC/ and on Twitter: https://twitter.com/UKIRSC_SMM Any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch. The 2020 committee can be contacted by emailing: ukrsc(a)st-andrews.ac.uk<mailto:ukrsc@st-andrews.ac.uk> Please circulate among your labs – this is a great experience for students! Best wishes, Cynthia, Izzy, Laura, María, Becky & Natalie UKIRSC 2020 committee ---------------------------------------------------- Izzy Langley Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU) Scottish Oceans Institute University of St Andrews St Andrews, Fife, KY16 8LB Twitter: @LangleyIzzy @_SMRU_ The University of St Andrews is a charity registered in Scotland: No SC013532

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Seeking Researchers Working with Drones in the Mediterranean and Black Sea for Short Inquiry
by Ori 30 Sep '19

30 Sep '19

Dear Colleagues, As part of an ACCOBAMS project that is evaluating thefeasibility of area-wide unmanned aerial surveys (both droneand fixed wing) we are looking to get in touch with researchers who have workedwith drones for cetacean research in the Mediterranean or Black Sea. Mainly, we would like to inquire about legislation forflying drones in different regions/countries. *** Please get in touch: ori_g_inal(a)yahoo.com *** Many Thanks, Dr. Aviad Scheinin - Head, Top Predators Lab Eyal Bigal - Manager, Top Predators Lab Ori Galili - M.Sc. student, Top Predators Lab Top Predators Lab Morris Kahn Marine Research Station Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences University of Haifa, Israel

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New paper on using drones to monitor Australian Fur Seals
by Karina Sorrell 29 Sep '19

29 Sep '19

Dear MARMAM community, On behalf of my colleagues and co-authors from Monash University and Phillip Island Nature Parks, I am pleased to announce the online publication of our paper titled “Remotely piloted aircraft improve precision of capture-mark-resight population estimates of Australian fur seals” by Karina Sorrell, Rohan Clarke, Ross Holmberg and Rebecca McIntosh in the journal *Ecosphere*. The article is open access and available here: https://doi.org/10.1002/ecs2.2812 ABSTRACT Remotely piloted aircraft (RPA or ‘drones’) have become a powerful tool for use in spatial and temporal ecology. Major benefits for environmental management, including improved accuracy and precision for population monitoring of fauna are being realized. We used Australian fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillus) as a model system to assess how counts and capture-mark-resight estimates derived from RPA surveys compared with both traditionally used ground counts, and capture-mark-resight abundance estimates at two colonies in south-eastern Australia. To manage the large volume of data, we implemented a citizen science portal ‘SealSpotter’ to screen RPA-imagery for animals of the target age classes. Capture-mark-resight estimates and direct counts using RPA-imagery provided measurable improvement in monitoring precision when compared with traditional techniques. A key methodological assumption of capture-mark-resight estimates is that there is uniform mixing of marked animals across the focal area. This was also validated using spatial data derived from images and linear models, a novel capability of the RPA technique. Our findings have the potential to improve wildlife monitoring techniques for fur seals, and are broadly transferable to a wide range of other animal taxa where capture-mark-resight techniques are employed. Furthermore, they add to the growing body of evidence that demonstrate the benefits of RPAs for wildlife monitoring exceed those of traditional techniques. All the best, Karina Sorrell *Karina Sorrell | Research AssistantSchool of Geography | Faculty of Science* The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Mobile: +61 432 553 696 Email: karina.sorrell(a)unimelb.edu.au <https://www.google.com.au/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rj…>

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