Hidden Markov models reveal temporal patterns and sex differences in killer whale behavior.

ABSTRACT: Behavioral data can be important for effective management of endangered marine predators, but can be challenging to obtain. We utilized suction cup-attached biologging tags equipped with stereo hydrophones, triaxial accelerometers, triaxial magnetometers, pressure and temperature sensors, to characterize the subsurface behavior of an endangered population of killer whales (Orcinus orca). Tags recorded depth, acoustic and movement behavior on fish-eating killer whales in the Salish Sea between 2010-2014. We tested the hypotheses that (a) distinct behavioral states can be characterized by integrating movement and acoustic variables, (b) subsurface foraging occurs in bouts, with distinct periods of searching and capture temporally separated from travel, and (c) the probabilities of transition

SUBMITTER: Tennessen JB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6802385 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature