Satellite tracking and diving behaviour of sub-adult narwhals (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Monodon monoceros</Emphasis>) in Svalbard,Norway |
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Authors: | Christian Lydersen Anthony R Martin Ian Gjertz Kit M Kovacs |
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Institution: | (1) Norwegian Polar Institute, 9296 Tromso, Norway;(2) BioSciences Division, British Antarctic Survey, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 0ET, UK;(3) Norwegian Research Council, P.O. Box 2700, St. Hanshaugen, 0131 Oslo, Norway |
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Abstract: | Three juvenile narwhals captured during August 1998 in the northeast of Svalbard, Norway, were equipped with satellite-relayed
data loggers (SRDLs) that transmitted diving and swim-speed data, in addition to location, for up to 46 days. A total of 1,354
complete dive cycles were recorded. Most of the diving was shallow and of short duration. Maximum recorded dive depth was
546 m, maximum recorded dive duration was 24.8 min, and maximum recorded swim-speed was 4.7 ms−1. Ascent speed, vertical ascent speed, descent speed and vertical descent speed were all significantly higher during deep
dives (>200 m) than for shallow dives (<200 m). In addition both ascent and descent angles were much steeper for deep dives
than during shallow dives. Most of the shallow diving seemed to be associated with travelling, with the animal shifting between
various locations, while the deep diving (often to the bottom) for extended periods in some specific areas might have been
associated with foraging. Even though the sample size in this study is small, the data are the first information available
for movements and diving behaviour of narwhals near Svalbard. |
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