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Site fidelity and sex-specific migration in a mobile apex predator: implications for conservation and ecosystem dynamics
Citation
Barnett, A and Abrantes, KG and Stevens, JD and Semmens, JM, Site fidelity and sex-specific migration in a mobile apex predator: implications for conservation and ecosystem dynamics, Animal Behaviour, 81, (5) pp. 1039-1048. ISSN 0003-3472 (2011) [Refereed Article]
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Copyright Statement
Copyright © 2011 The definitive version is available at http://www.sciencedirect.com
DOI: doi:10.1016/j.anbehav.2011.02.011
Abstract
Combining movement behaviour with other ecological information of predators and their prey is
essential for an adequate understanding of ecosystem dynamics. The movement patterns of broadnose
sevengill sharks, Notorynchus cepedianus, were monitored with acoustic and satellite technology in
coastal areas of southeast Tasmania, Australia. Individuals were tagged in two habitats (Norfolk Bay and
the Derwent Estuary) for which we had ecological information such as diet, population structure and
abundance. Notorynchus cepedianus showed seasonal site fidelity in the use of the coastal habitats. The
general pattern was for sharks to exit coastal areas over winter and females to return the following
spring and males in summer. Their movement into these coastal areas coincided with high seasonal
abundance of their known prey species during summer, suggesting feeding site fidelity. Individuals
tagged in two coastal areas showed low spatial and dietary overlap, suggesting localized site fidelity and
fine spatial scale resource partitioning. This has rarely been reported for large mobile predators. Both
satellite and acoustic methods showed that males make northerly migrations during winter to distances
of at least 1000 km. The combined use of tracking, diet and abundance information demonstrated that
N. cepedianus are likely to exert significant predation pressure on prey inhabiting these areas during
summer. Overall, this study highlights the benefit of complementing movement data with other
ecological information to understand the habitat use of large mobile predators and their potential
influences on ecosystem structure and function.
Item Details
Item Type: | Refereed Article |
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Keywords: | acoustic telemetry, estuary, habitat partitioning, movement behaviour, Notorynchus cepedianus, predator-prey, protected area management, satellite telemetry, shark |
Research Division: | Agricultural, Veterinary and Food Sciences |
Research Group: | Fisheries sciences |
Research Field: | Aquaculture and fisheries stock assessment |
Objective Division: | Environmental Management |
Objective Group: | Terrestrial systems and management |
Objective Field: | Assessment and management of terrestrial ecosystems |
UTAS Author: | Barnett, A (Dr Adam Barnett) |
UTAS Author: | Abrantes, KG (Dr Katia Dos Santos Abrantes) |
UTAS Author: | Semmens, JM (Professor Jayson Semmens) |
ID Code: | 71991 |
Year Published: | 2011 |
Web of Science® Times Cited: | 68 |
Deposited By: | Sustainable Marine Research Collaboration |
Deposited On: | 2011-08-18 |
Last Modified: | 2017-10-31 |
Downloads: | 4 View Download Statistics |
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