Publications des scientifiques de l'IRD

Lin M. L., Caruso F., Liu M. M., Lek S., Li K., Gozlan Rodolphe, Li S. H. (2020). Food risk trade-off in the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin : an exploratory case study. Aquatic Conservation : Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems, 30 (4), 860-867. ISSN 1052-7613.

Titre du document
Food risk trade-off in the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin : an exploratory case study
Année de publication
2020
Type de document
Article référencé dans le Web of Science WOS:000508641000001
Auteurs
Lin M. L., Caruso F., Liu M. M., Lek S., Li K., Gozlan Rodolphe, Li S. H.
Source
Aquatic Conservation : Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems, 2020, 30 (4), 860-867 ISSN 1052-7613
Based on optimal foraging theory, animals are expected to maximize foraging benefits whilst minimizing risks. Despite risking being subjected to anthropogenic impacts such as water contamination, marine traffic, and underwater noise, estuaries have been identified as the preferred habitat of the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin (Sousa chinensis, IPHD). However, it remains unclear why this vulnerable species favours such risky habitats. Here, an exploratory case study in Zhanjiang estuary, China, was conducted to test the hypothesis that IPHDs select estuarine habitats as a trade-off that maximizes foraging opportunities whilst minimizing the risk of mortality. The results showed that IPHDs accept greater mortality risks for higher food rewards but select habitats with lower risks when food rewards are similar between two locations. Although this type of information is important for underpinning models for individual dolphins, its principal role is to show environmental protection agencies why IPHDs favour estuaries despite the increased mortality risks. Habitat conservation plans should carefully consider prey stocks, possibly through the presence of marine protected areas near estuaries, as local overfishing may lead vulnerable cetacean populations to take greater risks.
Plan de classement
Limnologie biologique / Océanographie biologique [034] ; Ecologie, systèmes aquatiques [036] ; Ressources halieutiques [040]
Description Géographique
CHINE ; PACIFIQUE
Localisation
Fonds IRD [F B010077813]
Identifiant IRD
fdi:010077813
Contact