Individual, ecological, and anthropogenic influences on activity budgets of long‐finned pilot whales

• DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.2044
• Publication Date: 2017-12-27T18:48:53Z
• Authors: S. Isojunno; D. Sadykova; S. DeRuiter; C. Curé; F. Visser; L. Thomas; P. J. O. Miller; C. M. Harris
• Keywords: Time budget; Time allocation

Abstract Time allocation to different activities and habitats enables individuals modulate their perceived risks access resources can reveal important trade‐offs between fitness‐enhancing (e.g., feeding vs. social behavior). Species with long reproductive cycles high parental investment, such as marine mammals, rely on behavioral plasticity cope rapid environmental change, including anthropogenic stressors. We quantified activity budgets of free‐ranging long‐finned pilot whales in order assess individual time foraging other behaviors ecological contexts, during experimental sound exposures. The experiments included 1–2 6–7 kH z naval sonar exposures (a potential stressor), playback killer whale predator/competitor) vocalizations, negative controls. combined multiple series data from digital acoustic recording tags ( DTAG ) well group‐level behavior visual observations tagged at the surface. were classified into near‐surface dive types (using a hidden Markov model for transitions) aggregated budgets. On average, (N = 19) spent most (69%) resting transiting near surface, 21% shallow dives (depth <40 m), only 10% deep dives, which 65% reached depth 10 m sea bottom. Individuals largest three body size classes or accompanied by calves tended spend more than others. Simultaneous tagging pairs showed that up 50% budget was synchronized conspecifics decreased synchrony periods. less when forming larger non‐vocal aggregations late afternoons, mid‐range water depths (300–400 m) available study area (50–700 m). reduced 83% (29–96%) first exposure sonar, but not playbacks. A relative increase repeat indicated habituation change response tactic. discuss possible adaptive value these reduce conflict while maintaining benefits group living.