Three-dimensional analysis of search behaviour by ringed seals

Citation
Ma. Simpkins et al., Three-dimensional analysis of search behaviour by ringed seals, ANIM BEHAV, 62, 2001, pp. 67-72
Citations number
37
Language
INGLESE
art.tipo
Article
Categorie Soggetti
Animal Sciences","Neurosciences & Behavoir
Journal title
ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR
ISSN journal
0003-3472 → ACNP
Volume
62
Year of publication
2001
Part
1
Pages
67 - 72
Database
ISI
SICI code
0003-3472(200107)62:<67:TAOSBB>2.0.ZU;2-W
Abstract
We analysed the use of three-dimensional space by 13 freely diving ringed s eals, Phoca hispida, to distinguish between local search, presumably within prey patches, and travel or exploration between prey patches. We subdivide d the three-dimensional home ranges of ringed seals into 3 x 3 x 3 m grid c ells. For each dive, we determined the time spent swimming through each gri d cell and the frequency of grid cell revisits. The seals generally spent 1 -3 s in each cell and rarely revisited cells. During 34% of all dives, howe ver, ringed seals focused their effort within a reduced volume, suggesting local search within patches of prey. The disproportionate effort within res tricted volumes resulted from seals revisiting cells (18% of dives), reduci ng speed within cells (9% of dives), or both reducing speed and revisiting cells (7% of dives). Ringed seals searched locally in less than 10% of desc ents and ascents but did so in 41% of bottom phases (time spent at depth be tween the end of descent and the beginning of ascent). (C) 2001 The Associa tion for the Study of Animal Behaviour.