Minton,G.,Cherchio, S.,Collins,T.J.Q.,Ersts, P.J.,Findlay,K.P.,Pomilla, C.,Bennett, D.,Meyer, M.,Razafindrakoto, Y.,Kotze, D.,Oosthuizen, H.,Leslie, M.,Andrianarivelo, N.,Baldwin,R.M.,Ponnampalam, L.,Rosenbaum, H.C.
A note on the comparison of humpback whale tail fluke catalogues from the Sultanate of Oman with Madagascar and the East African Mainland Journal Article
In: Journal of Cetacean Research and Management, vol. 11, no. 408, pp. 65-68, 2010.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Sea, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, Indian Ocean, Madagascar, megaptera novaeangliae, Mozambique, Northern Hemisphere, Oman, photo-ID, population identity, South Africa
@article{,
title = {A note on the comparison of humpback whale tail fluke catalogues from the Sultanate of Oman with Madagascar and the East African Mainland},
author = {Minton,G.,Cherchio, S.,Collins,T.J.Q.,Ersts, P.J.,Findlay,K.P.,Pomilla, C.,Bennett, D.,Meyer, M.,Razafindrakoto, Y.,Kotze, D.,Oosthuizen, H.,Leslie, M.,Andrianarivelo, N.,Baldwin,R.M.,Ponnampalam, L.,Rosenbaum, H.C.},
year = {2010},
date = {2010-01-01},
journal = {Journal of Cetacean Research and Management},
volume = {11},
number = {408},
pages = {65-68},
abstract = {The photo-identification catalogue of humpback whale tail flukes from Oman was compared with those from Antongil Bay, Madagascar and study
sites in South Africa and Mozambique collectively termed the ‘East African Mainland’. No matches were found, supporting other lines of evidence
that the humpback whales studied off the coast of Oman form part of a discrete Arabian Sea population, which adheres to a Northern Hemisphere
breeding cycle, and has little or no ongoing exchange with the nearest neighbouring populations in the southern Indian Ocean.While the sample size
from Oman is small, and low levels of ongoing exchange might not be detected in this type of catalogue comparison, the study nonetheless emphasises
the need to pursue research and conservation efforts in the known and suspected range of the Endangered Arabian Sea humpback whale population.},
keywords = {Arabian Sea, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, Indian Ocean, Madagascar, megaptera novaeangliae, Mozambique, Northern Hemisphere, Oman, photo-ID, population identity, South Africa},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The photo-identification catalogue of humpback whale tail flukes from Oman was compared with those from Antongil Bay, Madagascar and study
sites in South Africa and Mozambique collectively termed the ‘East African Mainland’. No matches were found, supporting other lines of evidence
that the humpback whales studied off the coast of Oman form part of a discrete Arabian Sea population, which adheres to a Northern Hemisphere
breeding cycle, and has little or no ongoing exchange with the nearest neighbouring populations in the southern Indian Ocean.While the sample size
from Oman is small, and low levels of ongoing exchange might not be detected in this type of catalogue comparison, the study nonetheless emphasises
the need to pursue research and conservation efforts in the known and suspected range of the Endangered Arabian Sea humpback whale population.
sites in South Africa and Mozambique collectively termed the ‘East African Mainland’. No matches were found, supporting other lines of evidence
that the humpback whales studied off the coast of Oman form part of a discrete Arabian Sea population, which adheres to a Northern Hemisphere
breeding cycle, and has little or no ongoing exchange with the nearest neighbouring populations in the southern Indian Ocean.While the sample size
from Oman is small, and low levels of ongoing exchange might not be detected in this type of catalogue comparison, the study nonetheless emphasises
the need to pursue research and conservation efforts in the known and suspected range of the Endangered Arabian Sea humpback whale population.
Rosenbaum,H.C.,Collins,T.J.Q.,Minton,G.,Baldwin,R.,Glaberman,S.,Findlay,K.P.,Best,P.
Preliminary analysis of MtDNA variation among humpback whales off the coast of Oman and their relationships to whales from wintering grounds in the southwestern Indian Ocean Technical Report
no. 458, 2002, ISBN: SC/54/H4.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Sea, genotyping, humpback whales, Indian Ocean, Madagascar, Mayotte, migration, Oman, population characteristics, South Africa, whaling
@techreport{,
title = {Preliminary analysis of MtDNA variation among humpback whales off the coast of Oman and their relationships to whales from wintering grounds in the southwestern Indian Ocean},
author = {Rosenbaum,H.C.,Collins,T.J.Q.,Minton,G.,Baldwin,R.,Glaberman,S.,Findlay,K.P.,Best,P.},
issn = {SC/54/H4},
year = {2002},
date = {2002-01-01},
journal = {Document presented to the 54th meeting of the International Whaling Commission},
volume = {SC/54/H4},
number = {458},
pages = {1-10},
abstract = {Preliminary results of genetic analysis of skin tissue samples obtained from two sampling locations off the coast of Oman are compared with those obtained form longer term surveys in Madagascar, Mayotte, Mozambique and the east coast of South Africa. Haplotype diversity was relatively low for whales from Oman in comparison with other populations. Maternal lineage haplotypes were shared between whales from both sites in Oman and those of other populations. However, it is unclear whether these shared haplotypes indicate recent exchange/migration links between the Arabian Sea and SW Indian Ocean populations, or are the result of ancestral polymorphism from historical population expansion. Two private material lineage haplotypes were detected in Oman, represented by three individual whales.},
keywords = {Arabian Sea, genotyping, humpback whales, Indian Ocean, Madagascar, Mayotte, migration, Oman, population characteristics, South Africa, whaling},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {techreport}
}
Preliminary results of genetic analysis of skin tissue samples obtained from two sampling locations off the coast of Oman are compared with those obtained form longer term surveys in Madagascar, Mayotte, Mozambique and the east coast of South Africa. Haplotype diversity was relatively low for whales from Oman in comparison with other populations. Maternal lineage haplotypes were shared between whales from both sites in Oman and those of other populations. However, it is unclear whether these shared haplotypes indicate recent exchange/migration links between the Arabian Sea and SW Indian Ocean populations, or are the result of ancestral polymorphism from historical population expansion. Two private material lineage haplotypes were detected in Oman, represented by three individual whales.
Rosenbaum,H.C.,Glaberman,S.,Jefferson,T.,Collins,T.,Minton,G.,Peddemors,V.,Baldwin,R.M.
Phylogenetic relationships and population structure among humpback dolphins based on mtDNA variation Technical Report
no. 459, 2002, ISBN: SC/54/SM34.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: control region, dolphin, dolphins, humpback dolphins, International Whaling Commission, mtDNA, Oman, Pacific Ocean, phylogenetic, population, population structure, South Africa, status, taxonomy, whaling
@techreport{,
title = {Phylogenetic relationships and population structure among humpback dolphins based on mtDNA variation},
author = {Rosenbaum,H.C.,Glaberman,S.,Jefferson,T.,Collins,T.,Minton,G.,Peddemors,V.,Baldwin,R.M.},
issn = {SC/54/SM34},
year = {2002},
date = {2002-01-01},
journal = {Document presented to the 54th meeting of the International Whaling Commission},
volume = {SC/54/SM34},
number = {459},
pages = {1-8},
abstract = {The taxonomy, systematic relationships, and population structure of humpback dolphins (genus Sousa) have been controversial. Various nominal species have been described or subsumed. Recent reports have suggested the division of Sousa into one to three distinct species or sub-species. However, many of these analyses have not been conducted in a proper systematics framework, did not include all representative putative taxa or were lacking specimens from parts of their geographic range, and have not been in published in peer-reviewed journals (typically necessary for revising taxonomy). In order to address relationships and taxonomic status among Sousa species, we present a preliminary genetic analysis of humpback dolphins primarily from Southeast Asia, the coast of Oman, and South Africa. A total of 110 samples were sequenced for 501 by of mtDNA control region and significant population structuring at the regional level was revealed. Population Aggregation and phylogenetic analyses of mtDNA control region lineages and a subset of lineages analyzed for a 358 by fragment of Cytochrome B revealed a series of complex relationships among humpback dolphins in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. These preliminary data are a critical first step to better understanding the taxonomy and systematics in the genus Sousa. Additional molecular character data from other mitochondria) and nuclear genes will be essential for resolving relationship and taxonomic status for humpback dolphins.},
keywords = {control region, dolphin, dolphins, humpback dolphins, International Whaling Commission, mtDNA, Oman, Pacific Ocean, phylogenetic, population, population structure, South Africa, status, taxonomy, whaling},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {techreport}
}
The taxonomy, systematic relationships, and population structure of humpback dolphins (genus Sousa) have been controversial. Various nominal species have been described or subsumed. Recent reports have suggested the division of Sousa into one to three distinct species or sub-species. However, many of these analyses have not been conducted in a proper systematics framework, did not include all representative putative taxa or were lacking specimens from parts of their geographic range, and have not been in published in peer-reviewed journals (typically necessary for revising taxonomy). In order to address relationships and taxonomic status among Sousa species, we present a preliminary genetic analysis of humpback dolphins primarily from Southeast Asia, the coast of Oman, and South Africa. A total of 110 samples were sequenced for 501 by of mtDNA control region and significant population structuring at the regional level was revealed. Population Aggregation and phylogenetic analyses of mtDNA control region lineages and a subset of lineages analyzed for a 358 by fragment of Cytochrome B revealed a series of complex relationships among humpback dolphins in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. These preliminary data are a critical first step to better understanding the taxonomy and systematics in the genus Sousa. Additional molecular character data from other mitochondria) and nuclear genes will be essential for resolving relationship and taxonomic status for humpback dolphins.
Best,P.B.
Distribution and population separation of Bryde's whale Balaenoptera edeni off southern Africa Journal Article
In: Marine Ecology Progress Series, vol. 220, no. 44, pp. 277-289, 2001.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Sea, Bryde's whale, Distribution, Indian Ocean, length, Madagascar, migration, population characteristics, reproduction, sexual maturity, South Africa, whaling
@article{,
title = {Distribution and population separation of Bryde's whale Balaenoptera edeni off southern Africa},
author = {Best,P.B.},
year = {2001},
date = {2001-01-01},
journal = {Marine Ecology Progress Series},
volume = {220},
number = {44},
pages = {277-289},
abstract = {A review of available catch and biological data suggests that there are 3 populations of Bryde's whales in the Southern African region. An inshore population (the South African Inshore stock) occurs over hte continental shelf of South Africa, south of about 30§ S and seems to be non-migratory, although there is a movement up the west coast in winter. A pelagic population (the South-east Atlantic Stock) occurs on the west coast of southern Africa, ranging from equatorial regions to about 34§ S, and appears to migrate north in autumn and south in spring. Whales from the Southeast Atlantic Stock differ from the South African Inshore Stock in size, scarring, baleen shape, seasonality of reproduction, fecundity and prey types. both occured in the west coast whaling ground off Donkergat, but with differing seasonalities and distributions from the coast. Bryde's whales are rare on the east coast of southern Africa, but are found in summer in some numbers south of Madagascar. Whales from this population are clearly smaller than those from the Southeast Atlantic Stock, but are similar in size to, or even smaller than, those from teh South African Inshore stock. Their external appearance is unknown, but they differ in prey type from South African Inshore stock, and because of a clear discontinuity in distribution, it is believed that they form a third (pelagic) population (the Southwest Indian Ocean Sstock). this population may or may not move normt as far as the Seychelles in winter, but seems to be separate from Bryde's whales in the Arabian Sea. From their size composition, length at sexual maturity and infrequent capture, Bryde's whales taken at Durban may have repasented strays from ei ther ht eh South African Inshore Stock or the Southwest Indian Ocean Stock, and recorded stomach contents also indicate prey ty pes commn toe either stock. The unusual degree of population differentiation shown by Bryde's whales may be a consequence of hteir limited seasonal migrations and apparent resource partitioning.},
keywords = {Arabian Sea, Bryde's whale, Distribution, Indian Ocean, length, Madagascar, migration, population characteristics, reproduction, sexual maturity, South Africa, whaling},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
A review of available catch and biological data suggests that there are 3 populations of Bryde's whales in the Southern African region. An inshore population (the South African Inshore stock) occurs over hte continental shelf of South Africa, south of about 30§ S and seems to be non-migratory, although there is a movement up the west coast in winter. A pelagic population (the South-east Atlantic Stock) occurs on the west coast of southern Africa, ranging from equatorial regions to about 34§ S, and appears to migrate north in autumn and south in spring. Whales from the Southeast Atlantic Stock differ from the South African Inshore Stock in size, scarring, baleen shape, seasonality of reproduction, fecundity and prey types. both occured in the west coast whaling ground off Donkergat, but with differing seasonalities and distributions from the coast. Bryde's whales are rare on the east coast of southern Africa, but are found in summer in some numbers south of Madagascar. Whales from this population are clearly smaller than those from the Southeast Atlantic Stock, but are similar in size to, or even smaller than, those from teh South African Inshore stock. Their external appearance is unknown, but they differ in prey type from South African Inshore stock, and because of a clear discontinuity in distribution, it is believed that they form a third (pelagic) population (the Southwest Indian Ocean Sstock). this population may or may not move normt as far as the Seychelles in winter, but seems to be separate from Bryde's whales in the Arabian Sea. From their size composition, length at sexual maturity and infrequent capture, Bryde's whales taken at Durban may have repasented strays from ei ther ht eh South African Inshore Stock or the Southwest Indian Ocean Stock, and recorded stomach contents also indicate prey ty pes commn toe either stock. The unusual degree of population differentiation shown by Bryde's whales may be a consequence of hteir limited seasonal migrations and apparent resource partitioning.
Brown,S.G.
Whales observed in the Indian Ocean: notes on their distribution Journal Article
In: The Marine Observer, vol. 27, no. 339, pp. 157-165, 1957.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Antarctic, Arabian Sea, Australia, baleen whales, Central Indian Ocean, cetacean, density, Distribution, Gulf of Aden, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, India, Indian Ocean, Oman, population, South Africa, Southern Hemisphere, sperm whale, sperm whales, whale, whales
@article{,
title = {Whales observed in the Indian Ocean: notes on their distribution},
author = {Brown,S.G.},
year = {1957},
date = {1957-01-01},
journal = {The Marine Observer},
volume = {27},
number = {339},
pages = {157-165},
abstract = {The paper provides a summary of the results of a questionnaire put to merchant ships and other vessels, 80 of which provided their track data. These vessels apparently had someone on watch during all daylight hours and reported all their cetacean sightings. The authors feel confident that while some sightings could not be identified to species level, a distinction could be drawn between sperm, humpback and "rorqual" whales. The "search effort" and sightings of the ships are plotted in the paper, with the majority of search effort and a high concentration of sightings occurring in the Gulf of Aden and S coast of Oman. Only two humpback whale sightings are recorded for the Northern Arabian sea - one near the horn of Africa/Somalia, and one near Sharbitat/Likbe. An additional string 4 of humpback whale sightings are recorded off the SW coast of India in the region of the Laccadive Islands.The author himself concludes: "There is apparently no great difference in the overall density of the large whale populations per unit area north and south of the equator. The highest concentrations of whales in the Indian Ocean occur in the Gulf of Aden and its approaches, the Arabian Sea and in the zone between South Africa and Australia. The least concentration is found in the Central Indian Ocean. In summer the concentration of baleen whales in the Antarctic is very many times greater than in the Indian Ocean but there is much less difference in winter . The number of sperm whales in the ocean as a whole seems not to outnumber that of the different species of baleen whales combined. Humpback whales and rorquals are found unexpectedly far north, on the supposition that they all belong to the southern hemisphere populations. Rorquals have been observed right across the 30ø to 40ø S. zone between South Africa and Australia where ships might be expected to intercept them occasionally during their migrations."},
keywords = {Antarctic, Arabian Sea, Australia, baleen whales, Central Indian Ocean, cetacean, density, Distribution, Gulf of Aden, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, India, Indian Ocean, Oman, population, South Africa, Southern Hemisphere, sperm whale, sperm whales, whale, whales},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The paper provides a summary of the results of a questionnaire put to merchant ships and other vessels, 80 of which provided their track data. These vessels apparently had someone on watch during all daylight hours and reported all their cetacean sightings. The authors feel confident that while some sightings could not be identified to species level, a distinction could be drawn between sperm, humpback and "rorqual" whales. The "search effort" and sightings of the ships are plotted in the paper, with the majority of search effort and a high concentration of sightings occurring in the Gulf of Aden and S coast of Oman. Only two humpback whale sightings are recorded for the Northern Arabian sea - one near the horn of Africa/Somalia, and one near Sharbitat/Likbe. An additional string 4 of humpback whale sightings are recorded off the SW coast of India in the region of the Laccadive Islands.The author himself concludes: "There is apparently no great difference in the overall density of the large whale populations per unit area north and south of the equator. The highest concentrations of whales in the Indian Ocean occur in the Gulf of Aden and its approaches, the Arabian Sea and in the zone between South Africa and Australia. The least concentration is found in the Central Indian Ocean. In summer the concentration of baleen whales in the Antarctic is very many times greater than in the Indian Ocean but there is much less difference in winter . The number of sperm whales in the ocean as a whole seems not to outnumber that of the different species of baleen whales combined. Humpback whales and rorquals are found unexpectedly far north, on the supposition that they all belong to the southern hemisphere populations. Rorquals have been observed right across the 30ø to 40ø S. zone between South Africa and Australia where ships might be expected to intercept them occasionally during their migrations."