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Role of feeding strategies in seabird–minke whale associations

2010; Inter-Research; Volume: 424; Linguagem: Inglês

10.3354/meps08947

1616-1599

Pia Anderwald, PGH Evans, Lorenz Gygax, AR Hoelzel,

Arctic and Antarctic ice dynamics

MEPS Marine Ecology Progress Series Contact the journal Facebook Twitter RSS Mailing List Subscribe to our mailing list via Mailchimp HomeLatest VolumeAbout the JournalEditorsTheme Sections MEPS 424:219-227 (2011) - DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/meps08947 Role of feeding strategies in seabird–minke whale associations Pia Anderwald1,2,3,*, Peter G. H. Evans1, Lorenz Gygax4, A. Rus Hoelzel2 1Sea Watch Foundation, Ewyn Y Don, Bull Bay, Amlwch, Anglesey LL68 9SD, UK 2School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Durham University, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, UK 3Coastal and Marine Research Centre, University College Cork, Irish Naval Base, Haulbowline, Cobh, Co. Cork, Ireland 4Centre for Proper Housing of Ruminants and Pigs, FVO, Agroscope Research Station ART, 8356 Ettenhausen, Switzerland *Email: p.anderwald@ucc.ie ABSTRACT: Mixed-species foraging groups are well known for a broad range of taxonomic groups. Explanations have focused around 2 primary mechanisms: anti-predator behaviour and maximising foraging efficiency. In the ocean, feeding assemblages can involve seabirds, fish, cetaceans, pinnipeds and combinations of these groups. Here we examine association patterns between North Atlantic minke whales and seabirds. Based on the unique feeding strategies of different seabird guilds, predictions were made on the relationship between seabirds and whales in joint feeding assemblages (who profits from whom). These predictions were tested by modelling the presence of a whale with seabird aggregations using logistic regressions, involving presence/absence of seabird guilds, group sizes and measures of diversity as explanatory variables. A strong positive relationship was found between the presence of a whale with a seabird aggregation and the presence and group size of auks, the only seabird group able to concentrate fish on their own. No other seabird guild was relevant in predicting the presence of a whale. This suggests that ‘beater’ or ‘pirate’ theory best explains the relationship, with minke whales taking advantage of prey concentrations generated by the feeding behaviour of auks, and other bird groups taking advantage of dead, stunned or scattered prey left by the whales. KEY WORDS: Species interaction · Balaenoptera acutorostrata · Foraging theory Full text in pdf format PreviousNextCite this article as: Anderwald P, Evans PGH, Gygax L, Hoelzel AR (2011) Role of feeding strategies in seabird–minke whale associations. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 424:219-227. https://doi.org/10.3354/meps08947 Export citation RSS - Facebook - Tweet - linkedIn Cited by Published in MEPS Vol. 424. Online publication date: March 01, 2011 Print ISSN: 0171-8630; Online ISSN: 1616-1599 Copyright © 2011 Inter-Research.