Migratory destinations and spatial structuring of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) wintering off Nicaragua.

ABSTRACT: Understanding the migratory patterns of large whales is of conservation importance, especially in identifying threats to specific populations. Migration ecology, including migratory destinations, movements and site fidelity for humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) remain poorly studied in parts of the range of the Central America population, considered endangered under the United States Endangered Species Act. This study aimed to investigate the migratory destinations of humpback whales sighted at two study sites in Nicaragua, which are part of the Central America population. A ten-year photographic database of humpback whales observed off Nicaragua was combined with citizen science contributions and sightings from dedicated research programs. The resulting image collection was compare

SUBMITTER: De Weerdt J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10500005 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature