Pectoral herding: an innovative tactic for humpback whale foraging.

ABSTRACT: Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) have exceptionally long pectorals (i.e. flippers) that aid in shallow water navigation, rapid acceleration and increased manoeuvrability. The use of pectorals to herd or manipulate prey has been hypothesized since the 1930s. We combined new technology and a unique viewing platform to document the additional use of pectorals to aggregate prey during foraging events. Here, we provide a description of 'pectoral herding' and explore the conditions that may promote this innovative foraging behaviour. Specifically, we analysed aerial videos and photographic sequences to assess the function of pectorals during feeding events near salmon hatchery release sites in Southeast Alaska (2016-2018). We observed the use of solo bubble-nets to initially corra

SUBMITTER: Kosma MM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6837203 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature