Telemetry reveals potential mating aggregation behavior of tiger sharks (Galeocerdo cuvier) in Hawai'i.

ABSTRACT: Tiger sharks (Galeocerdo cuvier) are typically solitary marine predators that are rarely observed forming aggregations. We analyzed long-term acoustic telemetry data from the Hawaiian Archipelago that indicate that there are seasonal partial migrations within the population. We investigated whether these migrations are driven primarily by mating or foraging behaviors. Mature tiger sharks tagged around O 'ahu migrated seasonally to Maui, with timing aligned with the known mating season in Hawai 'i. In contrast, sharks tagged around Maui displayed year-round residency (no seasonal departures). Seasonal philopatry was most pronounced at Olowalu, Maui. At this site, we observed a high spatiotemporal overlap between mature males and females and physical signs of mating activity for both sexes,

SUBMITTER: Wernli P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12714738 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature