Quantifying the abundance and survival rates of island-associated spinner dolphins using a multi-state open robust design model.

ABSTRACT: Spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris subsp.) occupy the nearshore waters of several Hawaiian Islands. Due to their constrained behavioral pattern and genetic isolation, they are vulnerable to anthropogenic threats. Their occurrence and behavior are well-described, yet a lack of data on their abundance and survival rates hinders optimal conservation action. Using design-based photo-identification surveys, this study estimated the abundance, apparent survival, and emigration of spinner dolphins off the Wai'anae Coast of O'ahu through multi-state open robust design (MSORD) and POPAN modelling. Eight seasonal field seasons, (two winter, spring, summer, and autumn) each comprised of six surveys of the study area, were completed during two consecutive years. Seasonal abundance estimates deriv

SUBMITTER: McPherson L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11208612 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature