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POPULATION STATUS AND SOCIAL STRUCTURE OF NORTHERN BOTTLENOSE WHALES (HYPEROODON AMPULLATUS) ON THE SCOTIAN SHELF

dc.contributor.authorO'Brien, Kristin
dc.contributor.copyright-releaseYesen_US
dc.contributor.degreeMaster of Scienceen_US
dc.contributor.departmentDepartment of Biologyen_US
dc.contributor.ethics-approvalNot Applicableen_US
dc.contributor.external-examinern/aen_US
dc.contributor.graduate-coordinatorHal Whiteheaden_US
dc.contributor.manuscriptsYesen_US
dc.contributor.thesis-readerMarty Leonarden_US
dc.contributor.thesis-readerDon Bowenen_US
dc.contributor.thesis-supervisorHal Whiteheaden_US
dc.date.accessioned2013-08-14T14:19:40Z
dc.date.available2013-08-14T14:19:40Z
dc.date.defence2013-07-29
dc.date.issued2013-08-14
dc.description.abstractI 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.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/10222/35342
dc.language.isoenen_US
dc.subjectCetaceanen_US
dc.subjectBeaked whaleen_US
dc.subjectMarine Protected Areaen_US
dc.subjectPhoto-identificationen_US
dc.titlePOPULATION STATUS AND SOCIAL STRUCTURE OF NORTHERN BOTTLENOSE WHALES (HYPEROODON AMPULLATUS) ON THE SCOTIAN SHELFen_US

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