A survey of cetaceans in New Britain, Papua New Guinea
Wilma B. Mavea A , Olga Belonovich B , Elizah Nagombi C , Tracey Boslogo C , Lisle Gwynn D , Rodney Russ B and Jeremy P. Bird
E F G
A Pidu Project, Piku Biodiversity Network, National Research Institute, Waigani Drive, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.
B Strannik Ocean Voyages, Christchurch, New Zealand.
C Wildlife Conservation Society, Kavieng, New Ireland, Papua New Guinea.
D Independent. Email: lisle_gwynn@hotmail.co.uk
E School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld 4072, Australia.
F Treweek Environmental Consultants, Kentisbeare, Collumpston, Devon, UK.
G Corresponding author. Email: jez.bird@uq.edu.au
Australian Mammalogy 44(2) 291-294 https://doi.org/10.1071/AM21005
Submitted: 29 January 2021 Accepted: 15 July 2021 Published: 12 August 2021
Abstract
A recent assessment of spatial conservation priorities in mega-diverse Papua New Guinea noted a lack of marine data. We surveyed cetaceans in inshore and pelagic waters along the south coast of New Britain island. The total number of cetaceans encountered was 397, attributed to at least 6 species, with spinner dolphins and pantropical spotted dolphins both the most frequently sighted and abundant species. Although diversity and abundance were lower than expected, we hope that by contributing to a national cetacean sightings database this survey will support a growing understanding of marine mammal diversity and distribution within the region.
Keywords: biodiversity values, dolphin, inshore waters, marine mammal, mega-diverse Coral Triangle, pelagic waters, Pidu Project, sightings, tropical.
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