dc.contributor.author | O'Brien, Kristin | |
dc.date.accessioned | 2013-08-14T14:19:40Z | |
dc.date.available | 2013-08-14T14:19:40Z | |
dc.date.issued | 2013-08-14 | |
dc.identifier.uri | http://hdl.handle.net/10222/35342 | |
dc.description.abstract | I examined the dynamics of an endangered population of northern bottlenose whales over a 23-year period during which its prime habitat, the Gully canyon, was made a Marine Protected Area (MPA). Using mark-recapture techniques on photo-identifications I estimate a current population of 116 animals (95% CI=101-130). The population size and sex-ratio have remained stable since before the MPA designation suggesting this population is persisting. I used photo-identifications and high definition videography to examine the social organization of northern bottlenose whales, including behavioural synchrony. Relationships are highly variable; most associations are short-lived, but there are also long-term preferred associations lasting from several years (female/immature dyads) to over a decade (mature male dyads). I found little, if any, division of the social community. Synchronized breathing is common, precise, and appears to vary with behaivoural context. Although speculative, synchronized breathing might play a role the maintenance of general social relationships within this population. | en_US |
dc.language.iso | en | en_US |
dc.subject | Cetacean | en_US |
dc.subject | Beaked whale | en_US |
dc.subject | Marine Protected Area | en_US |
dc.subject | Photo-identification | en_US |
dc.title | POPULATION STATUS AND SOCIAL STRUCTURE OF NORTHERN BOTTLENOSE WHALES (HYPEROODON AMPULLATUS) ON THE SCOTIAN SHELF | en_US |
dc.date.defence | 2013-07-29 | |
dc.contributor.department | Department of Biology | en_US |
dc.contributor.degree | Master of Science | en_US |
dc.contributor.external-examiner | n/a | en_US |
dc.contributor.graduate-coordinator | Hal Whitehead | en_US |
dc.contributor.thesis-reader | Marty Leonard | en_US |
dc.contributor.thesis-reader | Don Bowen | en_US |
dc.contributor.thesis-supervisor | Hal Whitehead | en_US |
dc.contributor.ethics-approval | Not Applicable | en_US |
dc.contributor.manuscripts | Yes | en_US |
dc.contributor.copyright-release | Yes | en_US |