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Ecotourism increases the field metabolic rate of whitetip reef sharks
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-19, 01:39 authored by Barnett, A, Payne, NL, Jayson SemmensJayson Semmens, Fitzpatrick, RWildlife tourism has been shown to cause behavioural changes to numerous species. Yet, there is still little understanding if behavioural changes have consequences for health and fitness. The current study combined accelerometry and respirometry to show that provisioning whitetip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus) for tourism increases their daily energy expenditure by elevating activity levels during periods when they normally rest. Field metabolic rate increased by 6.37% on provisioning days compared to non-provisioning days. Since metabolism is a key parameter influencing most biological and ecological processes, this represents some of the clearest evidence to date that ecotourism can impact critical biological functions in wild animals.
Funding
Winifred Violet Scott Charitable Trust
History
Publication title
Biological ConservationVolume
119Pagination
132-136ISSN
0006-3207Department/School
Institute for Marine and Antarctic StudiesPublisher
Elsevier Sci LtdPlace of publication
The Boulevard, Langford Lane, Kidlington, Oxford, England, Oxon, Ox5 1GbRights statement
© 2016 Elsevier LtdRepository Status
- Restricted