1. The Mediterranean sperm whale sub-population is classified as endangered by the IUCN. The conservation management of this species demands further knowledge of its habitat use. 2. In this study, a generalized additive model was used to evaluate the spatial distribution of sperm whales in the Pelagos Sanctuary. 3. The results suggested a preference for areas characterized by a particular sea floor topography. The estimated encounter probabilities were highest above bathymetric features such as the Imperia and Genoa canyons and the seamounts of the Ligurian Sea, highlighting differences in the habitat preference of sperm whales.
Geostatistical modelling of spatial distribution of sperm whales in the Pelagos Sanctuary based on sparse count data and heterogeneous observations
FIORI, CRISTINA;ALESSI, JESSICA;VASSALLO, PAOLO
2014-01-01
Abstract
1. The Mediterranean sperm whale sub-population is classified as endangered by the IUCN. The conservation management of this species demands further knowledge of its habitat use. 2. In this study, a generalized additive model was used to evaluate the spatial distribution of sperm whales in the Pelagos Sanctuary. 3. The results suggested a preference for areas characterized by a particular sea floor topography. The estimated encounter probabilities were highest above bathymetric features such as the Imperia and Genoa canyons and the seamounts of the Ligurian Sea, highlighting differences in the habitat preference of sperm whales.
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