Using stable isotopes to assess whether two sympatric dolphin species share trophic resources

Castro, Rocío Loizaga de; Saporiti, Fabiana; Vales, Damián G.; Cardona, Luís; Crespo, Enrique A.

doi:10.1111/mms.12428

Cited by 10 publications

(8 citation statements)

References 47 publications

(84 reference statements)

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“…In a similar way, the δ-space formed by the axis δ 13 C and δ 15 N, can be comparable to these scenopoetic and bionomic dimensions of the ecological niche, as isotopic values in a predator’s tissues represent both the prey it consumes (bionomic) and the habitat where it forages (scenopoetic) 13 , 14 , 16 . This “isotopic niche” and its dimensions have been recently applied as an approach to study the trophic ecology and resource partitioning of several marine predators, such as baleen whales 17 , toothed cetaceans 2 , 3 , 18 , and sharks 19 .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Resource partitioning among stranded aquatic mammals from Amazon and Northeastern coast of Brazil revealed through Carbon and Nitrogen Stable Isotopes

Costa

Botta

Siciliano

et al. 2020

Sci Rep

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Aquatic mammals play an important role in community structure. The present study applied stable isotope analysis (SIA) to evidence trophic relationships and resource partitioning among aquatic mammals inhabiting different environments in the Amazon estuarine complex and adjacent coastal zone (AE) and Northeastern coast (NC) of Brazil. In addition, isotopic niche partitioning among Sotalia guianensis , Inia spp. and Trichechus inunguis within the AE was also evaluated, and ecological S. guianensis stocks were characterized. Among marine delphinids, the carbon isotopic composition in offshore species mirrored that of nearshore species, contradicting the pattern of decreasing δ 13 C values characteristic of many areas around the world including areas in Southeastern and Southern Brazil. Isotopic niches were highly distinct, with no overlap among the assessed species inhabiting the AE. Inia spp. and T. inunguis occupied significantly larger isotopic niche spaces, suggesting high habitat plasticity. S. guianensis inhabited two coastal regions indicating an ecological distinction. Nitrogen values were similar between S. guianensis from the NC and AE, indicating comparable trophic positions. However, NC specimens presented more variable δ 13 C values compared to those from AE. SIA results also allowed for insights concerning habitat use and the trophic ecology of dolphin species inhabiting different oceanographic regions off Northern/Northeast Brazil. These findings provide novel data on the stable isotope composition for cetaceans and sirenians from this region, and aid in furthering knowledge on the trophic ecology and habitat use of the investigated species.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Resource partitioning among stranded aquatic mammals from Amazon and Northeastern coast of Brazil revealed through Carbon and Nitrogen Stable Isotopes

Costa

Botta

Siciliano

et al. 2020

Sci Rep

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show abstract

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Dusky and common dolphins in Patagonia may be described as sympatric [ 27 ], since they overlap their trophic and environmental (physical features) niches to some extent [ 28 , 29 ]. They prey mainly on small pelagic fishes, but also take some groundfish and squid [ 29 , 30 ]. They are highly gregarious, living in groups in a fission-fusion social system (individuals may split or join constantly) possibly related with prey abundance and predictability.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Seasonal variation and group size affect movement patterns of two pelagic dolphin species (Lagenorhynchus obscurus and Delphinus delphis)

Dans

Luzenti²,

Coscarella³

et al. 2022

PLoS ONE

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Movement is a key factor in the survival and reproduction of most organisms with important links to bioenergetics and population dynamics. Animals use movement strategies that minimize the costs of locating resources, maximizing energy gains. Effectiveness of these strategies depends on the spatial distribution, variability and predictability of resources. The study of fine-scale movement of small cetaceans in the pelagic domain is limited, in part because of the logistical difficulties associated with tagging and tracking them. Here we describe and model the fine-scale movement patterns of two pelagic dolphin species using georeferenced movement and behavioral data obtained by tracking dolphin groups on board small vessels. Movement patterns differed by species, group sizes and seasons. Dusky dolphin groups moved shorter distances when feeding and longer distances when traveling whereas the common dolphin did the same only when they moved in large groups. In summer, both dolphins cover longer distances in a more linear path, while in winter the movement is more erratic and moving shorter distances. Both species of dolphins prey on small pelagic fishes, which are patchily distributed and show seasonal variability in school sizes and distribution. However, dusky dolphins rely on anchovy to a larger extent than common dolphins. In Nuevo Gulf, anchovy shoals are smaller and separated by shorter distances in winter and dusky dolphins´ movement pattern is consistent with this. Dusky and common dolphins are impacted by tourism and fisheries. Further modelling of movement could be inform spatial based management tools.

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“…Stable isotope analysis has emerged as a useful tool to assess trophic interactions and resource partitioning among marine mammals and has been used extensively to study sympatric dolphin species (e.g., Kiszka et al , 2011; Loizaga de Castro , Saporiti, Vales, Cardona, & Crespo, 2017). As applied to marine top consumers, this approach commonly utilizes carbon (δ 13 C) and nitrogen (δ 15 N) stable isotope analysis to characterize foraging habitats and trophic level (DeNiro & Epstein, 1978; Fry, 2006; Newsome, Clementz, & Koch, 2010).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Niche overlap and diet composition of three sympatric coastal dolphin species in the southwest Atlantic Ocean

Teixeira

Botta

Daura‐Jorge

et al. 2020

Marine Mammal Science

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Using stable isotopes to assess whether two sympatric dolphin species share trophic resources

Cited by 10 publications

References 47 publications

Resource partitioning among stranded aquatic mammals from Amazon and Northeastern coast of Brazil revealed through Carbon and Nitrogen Stable Isotopes

Resource partitioning among stranded aquatic mammals from Amazon and Northeastern coast of Brazil revealed through Carbon and Nitrogen Stable Isotopes

Seasonal variation and group size affect movement patterns of two pelagic dolphin species (Lagenorhynchus obscurus and Delphinus delphis)

Niche overlap and diet composition of three sympatric coastal dolphin species in the southwest Atlantic Ocean

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