Migration to breeding areas by male sperm whales Physeter macrocephalus from the Northeast Atlantic Arctic.

ABSTRACT: Mature male sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) primarily inhabit high latitude regions, travelling to tropical/temperate waters for breeding, where females and juveniles reside in cohesive social groups. Though mating is known to occur at low latitudes, the timing, duration, and routes of adult male migrations between feeding and breeding areas are poorly known. To study movement patterns of adult male sperm whales, 29 individuals were equipped with satellite transmitters in the Northeast Atlantic Arctic (69-79°N). Twelve of these animals undertook southward migrations. Departures from northern latitudes occurred asynchronously from January to October, indicating that sperm whales do not have a well-defined breeding season. Migrating males travelled 40 (± 11) d to reach the breeding are

SUBMITTER: Lydersen C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11885442 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature