A geometric morphometric approach for detecting different reproductive stages of a free-ranging killer whale Orcinus orca population.

ABSTRACT: The expansion of drone-based aerial imagery has facilitated an increase in data obtained from free-ranging marine mammal populations, in particular cetacean species. This non-invasive approach allows for body condition assessments, including nutritional and reproductive health. Yet, existing methods of image analysis are time-consuming and lack the granularity to determine early-stage pregnancies and miscarriage rates. In this study, we leveraged a four-year dataset of drone-based aerial imagery paired with known reproductive statuses (i.e., non-pregnant, early-stage pregnant, late-stage pregnant, and lactating) for killer whales (Orcinus orca) to develop a geometric morphometric-based protocol for detecting reproductive status. We demonstrate the significant separation of resulting shapef

SUBMITTER: Robinson CV 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11762319 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature