Feeding and Aerial Behavior variation in Humpback Whales (Megaptera Novaeangliae) In the Southern Gulf of Maine feeding ground
Advisor: Professor Kathryn Kavanagh
Committee Members: Professor Robert Gegear, Professor Robert Drew and
Jooke Robbins (Center for Coastal Studies)
Abstract: Understanding how animal behavior varies across lifespan is central to understanding their ecology, evolution, and conservation, especially for long-lived species. Using over a decade worth of whale watch data, I investigated how age, sex, and female reproductive class structure feeding and aerial behaviors in humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in the southern Gulf of Maine feeding ground. I used mixed models to evaluate variation in four surface feeding behaviors (bubble net, bubble cloud, kick feeding, & lunge feeding) and five energetically costly aerial behaviors (breach, head breach, tail breach, lobtail, & flipper slap). To evaluate temporal trends, I used generalized additive mixed models to assess feeding and aerial behaviors in calves, juveniles, and adults. Finally, I analyzed mother-calf pairings and documented 25 apparent calf separations from their mothers on a feeding ground, representing the most extensive compilation of humpback whale mother-calf separation intervals to date.
SENG - 109
Kathryn Kavanagh
508 999-9227
Kkavanagh@umassd.edu
https://umassd.zoom.us/j/92236387228?pwd=9gWKIrFI2bAeZ7XlGIQULA3zr2PIMr.1