Land-based observations of cetaceans and a review of recent strandings at subantarctic Macquarie Island
Rohan H. Clarke A D , Rosemary Gales B and Martin Schulz CA School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Vic. 3800, Australia.
B Biodiversity Monitoring Section, Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, Box 44, Hobart, Tas. 7001, Australia.
C 34 Wilford Street, Corrimal, NSW 2518, Australia.
D Corresponding author. Email: rohan.clarke@monash.edu
Australian Mammalogy 39(2) 248-253 https://doi.org/10.1071/AM16007
Submitted: 26 February 2016 Accepted: 25 October 2016 Published: 3 January 2017
Abstract
The occurrence of cetaceans around subantarctic Macquarie Island is poorly known. The current study provides the first quantitative assessment of the occurrence of various cetacean species in inshore waters during 391 systematic, one-hour observation periods over 59 weeks, in 2002 and 2003. Nine species of cetacean were identified during these surveys. Killer whales, long-finned pilot whales and sperm whales were all detected with some frequency. All other species were detected on single occasions. Eight previously unpublished stranding records are also summarised. These results support the notion that most cetacean species are relatively uncommon in the inshore waters of Macquarie Island. Routine archiving of cetacean sightings obtained during shipping activities in surrounding waters is encouraged as this will further contribute to our understanding of the region’s marine megafauna.
Additional keywords: beaked whale, killer whale, long-finned pilot whale, seasonal patterns, spectacled porpoise, strandings, underestimate.
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