Cultural traditions across a migratory network shape the genetic structure of southern right whales around Australia and New Zealand

• DOI: 10.1038/srep16182
• Publication Date: 2015-11-09T10:04:15Z
• Authors: E. L. Carroll; C. S. Baker; M. Watson; R. Alderman; J. Bannister; O. E. Gaggiotti; D. R. Gröcke; N. Patenaude; R. Harcourt
• Keywords: Whaling; Humpback whale; Right whale

Abstract Fidelity to migratory destinations is an important driver of connectivity in marine and avian species. Here we assess the role maternally directed learning habitats, or culture, on population structure endangered Australian New Zealand southern right whale. Using DNA profiles, comprising mitochondrial (mtDNA) haplotypes (500 bp), microsatellite genotypes (17 loci) sex from 128 individually-identified whales, find significant differentiation among winter calving grounds based both mtDNA haplotype (F ST = 0.048, Φ 0.109, p < 0.01) allele frequencies 0.008, 0.01), consistent with long-term fidelity areas. However, most genetic comparisons corridors were not significant, supporting idea that whales different mix corridors. Furthermore, a relationship between δ 13 C stable isotope profiles 66 proxy for feeding ground location kinship inferred microsatellite-based estimators relatedness. This indicates culture may influence grounds. likely recovery, as estimates historical abundance derived diversity indicate South Pacific remain at <10% pre-whaling abundance.