Emaciated enigma: Decline in body conditions of common dolphins in the Celtic Seas ecoregion DOI Creative Commons
Sofia Albrecht, Cóilín Minto, Emer Rogan

et al.

Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 14(10)

Published: Sept. 30, 2024

Abstract Monitoring the nutritional health of cetaceans has become increasingly important in a changing environment, where multiple stressors impact animals. Particularly for those species that require consumption energy‐dense prey, such as common dolphin. Thus far, no uniform measure monitoring body condition been recommended across cetaceans, and species‐specific measures may need to be developed if employed population indicator under Descriptor 1 Marine Strategy Framework Directive. Here, nine morphometric indices were applied long‐term dolphin stranding data sets originating from Ireland UK. We report recent decline dolphins Celtic Seas ecoregion comparing animals 2017 2019 1990 2006, with an increase cases dying due starvation. Using ordinal regression trees, ventral blubber thickness (VBT) was identified most index predict status, defined at necropsy, followed by scaled mass (SMI). generalised linear models, both VBT SMI differentiated individuals died chronic acute causes death (i.e., bycatch), conditions had significantly thinner lower SMI. Both significant temporal seasonal patterns identified, poorer observed during autumn better spring, well overall detected study period. While positively correlated total length, showed opposite trend. The is within when length season are considered. Further research needed understand underlying decline, including shifts prey availability and/or quality, inform targeted conservation management strategies.

Language: Английский

Emaciated enigma: Decline in body conditions of common dolphins in the Celtic Seas ecoregion DOI Creative Commons
Sofia Albrecht, Cóilín Minto, Emer Rogan

et al.

Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 14(10)

Published: Sept. 30, 2024

Abstract Monitoring the nutritional health of cetaceans has become increasingly important in a changing environment, where multiple stressors impact animals. Particularly for those species that require consumption energy‐dense prey, such as common dolphin. Thus far, no uniform measure monitoring body condition been recommended across cetaceans, and species‐specific measures may need to be developed if employed population indicator under Descriptor 1 Marine Strategy Framework Directive. Here, nine morphometric indices were applied long‐term dolphin stranding data sets originating from Ireland UK. We report recent decline dolphins Celtic Seas ecoregion comparing animals 2017 2019 1990 2006, with an increase cases dying due starvation. Using ordinal regression trees, ventral blubber thickness (VBT) was identified most index predict status, defined at necropsy, followed by scaled mass (SMI). generalised linear models, both VBT SMI differentiated individuals died chronic acute causes death (i.e., bycatch), conditions had significantly thinner lower SMI. Both significant temporal seasonal patterns identified, poorer observed during autumn better spring, well overall detected study period. While positively correlated total length, showed opposite trend. The is within when length season are considered. Further research needed understand underlying decline, including shifts prey availability and/or quality, inform targeted conservation management strategies.

Language: Английский

Citations

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