Bryde's whale (Cetartiodactyla: Balaenopteridae) occurrence and movements in coastal areas of southeastern Brazil

Bryde's whales, Balaenoptera edeni Anderson, 1879, were observed on 17 occasions (N = 21 surveys) in the coastal waters off Rio de Janeiro in southeastern Brazil during austral summer through autumn 2014. Five whales were individually identified using photo-identification techniques. The mean interval between resightings for all individuals was 12.8 days, with a minimum of one day and a maximum of 48 days. The comparison between the catalogs of Bryde's whales off Rio de Janeiro and the Cabo Frio region revealed matches for three individuals. The resightings show movements of up to 149.6 km along the coastal waters off the state of Rio de Janeiro. Most of the observations consisted of solitary individuals (82.3% of sightings). Feeding was the predominant behavior observed (47%), followed by milling (35.3%) and travelling (17.6%) in waters up to 48 m deep. Direct observations resulted in the addition of new prey, such as snubnose anchovy, Anchoviella brevirostris (Günther, 1868) and white snake mackerel, Thyrsitops lepidopoides (Cuvier, 1832), to the known diet of the Bryde's whale. A long time series of photo-identification efforts in the Rio de Janeiro, the Cabo Frio region and other areas can elucidate fundamental aspects of spatial and temporal site fidelity knowledge of Bryde's whales in southeastern Brazil. (AU)

Bryde's whale (Cetartiodactyla: Balaenopteridae) occurrence and movements in coastal areas of southeastern Brazil

Bryde's whales, Balaenoptera edeni Anderson, 1879, were observed on 17 occasions (N = 21 surveys) in the coastal waters off Rio de Janeiro in southeastern Brazil during austral summer through autumn 2014. Five whales were individually identified using photo-identification techniques. The mean interval between resightings for all individuals was 12.8 days, with a minimum of one day and a maximum of 48 days. The comparison between the catalogs of Bryde's whales off Rio de Janeiro and the Cabo Frio region revealed matches for three individuals. The resightings show movements of up to 149.6 km along the coastal waters off the state of Rio de Janeiro. Most of the observations consisted of solitary individuals (82.3% of sightings). Feeding was the predominant behavior observed (47%), followed by milling (35.3%) and travelling (17.6%) in waters up to 48 m deep. Direct observations resulted in the addition of new prey, such as snubnose anchovy, Anchoviella brevirostris (Günther, 1868) and white snake mackerel, Thyrsitops lepidopoides (Cuvier, 1832), to the known diet of the Bryde's whale. A long time series of photo-identification efforts in the Rio de Janeiro, the Cabo Frio region and other areas can elucidate fundamental aspects of spatial and temporal site fidelity knowledge of Bryde's whales in southeastern Brazil.

Distribution and relative abundance of large whales in a former whaling ground off eastern South America

Ship-based sighting surveys for cetaceans were conducted in the former whaling ground off the northeastern coast of Brazil. The cruises took place in winter and spring of 1998-2001 with the objectives of investigating current distribution and abundance of cetaceans, particularly large whale species taken during whaling. In 1998 the survey were conducted between the parallels 5°30'W and 9°S and the 200 m isobath and the meridian 033°W. A total of about 3,100 nm were surveyed between 1998 and 2001 Surveys were conducted using line transect methods from about 5-10°S, and from the coast to 33°W. A total of 151 sightings (203 individuals) of large whales were recorded on effort. The Antarctic minke whale - Balaenoptera bonaerensis (Burmeister, 1867) was the most frequently sighted species (97 groups/132 individuals; Sighting Rate [SR] = 0.031 groups/nm), being recorded only in offshore waters. Density gradually increased from August to October. Minke whales were distributed throughout the area, both to the north and the south of former whaling ground. Sighting data indicate this is the most abundant species, particularly in the area beyond the continental shelf break. Breeding behavior was observed for Antarctic minke whales, but few groups containing calves were recorded (4.3% of the groups sighted on effort). Three other large whale species were recorded in low numbers: the Bryde's whale - Balaenoptera edeni (Anderson, 1879)¹; the sei whale, B. borealis (Lesson, 1828), and the sperm, Physeter macrocephalus (Linnaeus, 1758). Sei, Bryde and sperm whales were regularly caught during whaling operations, but are rare in the area, suggesting they were depleted by whaling and have yet to recover to their pre-explotation abundance. In contrast, minke whales are abundant in this area, suggesting that either they were not substantially depleted, or that they have recovered rapidly. Blue whale, Balaenoptera musculus (Linnaeus, 1758), and fin whale, B. physalus (Linnaeus, 1758), not recorded on our surveys, have always been extremely rare in the area.

Distribution and relative abundance of large whales in a former whaling ground off eastern South America

Ship-based sighting surveys for cetaceans were conducted in the former whaling ground off the northeastern coast of Brazil. The cruises took place in winter and spring of 1998-2001 with the objectives of investigating current distribution and abundance of cetaceans, particularly large whale species taken during whaling. In 1998 the survey were conducted between the parallels 5°30'W and 9°S and the 200 m isobath and the meridian 033°W. A total of about 3,100 nm were surveyed between 1998 and 2001 Surveys were conducted using line transect methods from about 5-10°S, and from the coast to 33°W. A total of 151 sightings (203 individuals) of large whales were recorded on effort. The Antarctic minke whale - Balaenoptera bonaerensis (Burmeister, 1867) was the most frequently sighted species (97 groups/132 individuals; Sighting Rate [SR] = 0.031 groups/nm), being recorded only in offshore waters. Density gradually increased from August to October. Minke whales were distributed throughout the area, both to the north and the south of former whaling ground. Sighting data indicate this is the most abundant species, particularly in the area beyond the continental shelf break. Breeding behavior was observed for Antarctic minke whales, but few groups containing calves were recorded (4.3% of the groups sighted on effort). Three other large whale species were recorded in low numbers: the Bryde's whale - Balaenoptera edeni (Anderson, 1879)¹; the sei whale, B. borealis (Lesson, 1828), and the sperm, Physeter macrocephalus (Linnaeus, 1758). Sei, Bryde and sperm whales were regularly caught during whaling operations, but are rare in the area, suggesting they were depleted by whaling and have yet to recover to their pre-explotation abundance. In contrast, minke whales are abundant in this area, suggesting that either they were not substantially depleted, or that they have recovered rapidly. Blue whale, Balaenoptera musculus (Linnaeus, 1758), and fin whale, B. physalus (Linnaeus, 1758), not recorded on our surveys, have always been extremely rare in the area.

Distribution and relative abundance of large whales in a former whaling ground off eastern South America

Ship-based sighting surveys for cetaceans were conducted in the former whaling ground off the northeastern coast of Brazil. The cruises took place in winter and spring of 1998-2001 with the objectives of investigating current distribution and abundance of cetaceans, particularly large whale species taken during whaling. In 1998 the survey were conducted between the parallels 5°30'W and 9°S and the 200 m isobath and the meridian 033°W. A total of about 3,100 nm were surveyed between 1998 and 2001 Surveys were conducted using line transect methods from about 5-10°S, and from the coast to 33°W. A total of 151 sightings (203 individuals) of large whales were recorded on effort. The Antarctic minke whale - Balaenoptera bonaerensis (Burmeister, 1867) was the most frequently sighted species (97 groups/132 individuals; Sighting Rate [SR] = 0.031 groups/nm), being recorded only in offshore waters. Density gradually increased from August to October. Minke whales were distributed throughout the area, both to the north and the south of former whaling ground. Sighting data indicate this is the most abundant species, particularly in the area beyond the continental shelf break. Breeding behavior was observed for Antarctic minke whales, but few groups containing calves were recorded (4.3% of the groups sighted on effort). Three other large whale species were recorded in low numbers: the Bryde's whale - Balaenoptera edeni (Anderson, 1879)¹; the sei whale, B. borealis (Lesson, 1828), and the sperm, Physeter macrocephalus (Linnaeus, 1758). Sei, Bryde and sperm whales were regularly caught during whaling operations, but are rare in the area, suggesting they were depleted by whaling and have yet to recover to their pre-explotation abundance. In contrast, minke whales are abundant in this area, suggesting that either they were not substantially depleted, or that they have recovered rapidly. Blue whale, Balaenoptera musculus (Linnaeus, 1758), and fin whale, B. physalus (Linnaeus, 1758), not recorded on our surveys, have always been extremely rare in the area.

Cetacean diversity on the Parnaiba Delta, Maranhão state, northeastern Brazil

The increase in the research of cetacean surveys on the Brazilian coast has brought new data on the distribution of species never reported before. The present work reviews the current knowledge on cetaceans species and extends this knowledge with an analysis of cetaceans stranded in the Parnaiba Delta, on the coast of Maranhão State, Brazil. The studies on cetacean diversity on the coast of the Parnaíba Delta were made from August 2004 to August 2006. Fourteen strandings were reported, representing six distinct species, such as the estuarine dolphin (Sotalia guianensis), humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae), Bryde's whales (Balaenoptera edeni), dwarf minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), pigmy killer whale (Feresa attenuata), sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) and two specimens which have not yet been identified. The significant degree of cetacean diversity in the region shows that the Parnaíba Delta is, possibly, of an important area for cetacean studies in Brasil.

Com o aumento das pesquisas voltadas para o monitoramento de cetáceos no litoral brasileiro, registros inéditos sobre a distribuição de espécies têm sido realizados, ampliando o conhecimento sobre áreas de ocorrência dos cetáceos no Brasil. O presente estudo teve por objetivo realizar um levantamento das espécies de cetáceos encalhadas no Delta do Parnaíba, MA. Os estudos foram realizados através de entrevistas com comunidades locais e por meio de coleta direta, entre agosto de 2004 e agosto de 2006. Foram registrados 14 encalhes de cetáceos, com representantes de 6 espécies distintas, até então desconhecidas para a região do Delta do Parnaíba com um exemplar não identificado. Dentre as espécies registradas foram encontrados cinco exemplares do boto-cinza (Sotalia guianensis), um exemplar de baleia-jubarte (Megaptera novaeangliae), três exemplares de baleia-de-bryde (Balaenoptera edeni), um exemplar de baleia-minke-anã (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), um exemplar de orca-pigméia (Feresa attenuata), dois exemplares de cachalote (Physeter macrocephalus) e dois exemplares não identificados que correspondem a um crânio de misticeto e uma escápula de um possível filhote de odontoceto. A significativa diversidade na região do Delta do Parnaíba indica sua relevância para os estudos de cetáceos no Brasil. As análises de idade, baseadas em análises de suturas ósseas dos exemplares encalhados mostram que a região deltaica pode ser utilizada como área de reprodução por algumas espécies como Sotalia guianensis e Balaenoptera edeni.

Ocorrência, distribuição e comportamento de Baleias-de-Bryde(Balaenoptera edeni Anderson, 1879) (Cetacea, Mysticeti) em áreas costais e oceânicas do sudeste do Brasil

Abstract. Occurrence, distribution and behavior of brydes whales (Balaenoptera edeni Anderson, 1879) (Cetacea, Mysticeti) in coastal and oceanic areas from southeast of Brazil.

Ocorrência, distribuição e comportamento de Baleias-de-Bryde(Balaenoptera edeni Anderson, 1879) (Cetacea, Mysticeti) em áreas costais e oceânicas do sudeste do Brasil

Abstract. Occurrence, distribution and behavior of brydes whales (Balaenoptera edeni Anderson, 1879) (Cetacea, Mysticeti) in coastal and oceanic areas from southeast of Brazil.

Registro histórico de encalhe de uma Baleia-de-Bryde Balaenoptera Edeni Anderson, 1879 (Mysticeti: Balaenopteridae), no Rio Piraguaçu, baía de todos os santos, Bahia, Brasil

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Registro histórico de encalhe de uma Baleia-de-Bryde Balaenoptera Edeni Anderson, 1879 (Mysticeti: Balaenopteridae), no Rio Piraguaçu, baía de todos os santos, Bahia, Brasil

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Ocorrência de mamíferos marinhos em Guaratiba e Marambaia, Rio de Janeiro

Foi desenvolvido um estudo no município do Rio de Janeiro, nas localidades de Barra de Guaratiba e Restinga de Marambaia (230 05"8 e 440 30"W), em janeiro de 1994. Onde foram identificadas 9 espécies de cetáceos, através de saídas de barco, observação em 2 pontos fixos e percursos de praia. Durante as saídas de barco foram avistadas 3 espécies de cetáceos: Tursiops truncatus, dois indivíduos; Orcinus orca, dois adultos e um filhote; Balaenoptera edeni, dois adultos e um filhote. Com aproveitamento de 7,9% do total de 2404 minutos. Em ponto fixo observou-se a ocorrência da Balaenoptera edeni em grupo de dois a três indivíduos ou solitária, com aproveitamento de 3,57% do tempo total de 12998 minutos de observações semanais. Nos percursos de praia realizados na Restinga da Marambaia, foram coletadas carcaças ou ossadas de 11 exemplares, dos quais 5 foram de Sotalia fluviatilis, 2 de Steno bredanensis, 2 de Tursiops truncatus, 1 Delphinus delphis e 1 Stenella cf frontalis somando os esforços nototal de 7967 minutosde observação. É importante citar que durante as observações dos cetáceos, estes encontravam-se à 50 m a 01 milha da costa, e constatou-se também a presença de cardumes de sardinhas (família Clupeidae), próximo desses animais. Identificou-sea presença de Eubalaena australis (baleia franca), na região através de uma fita de vídeo cedida por um morador da região. Consideran

Ocorrência de mamíferos marinhos em Guaratiba e Marambaia, Rio de Janeiro

Foi desenvolvido um estudo no município do Rio de Janeiro, nas localidades de Barra de Guaratiba e Restinga de Marambaia (230 05"8 e 440 30"W), em janeiro de 1994. Onde foram identificadas 9 espécies de cetáceos, através de saídas de barco, observação em 2 pontos fixos e percursos de praia. Durante as saídas de barco foram avistadas 3 espécies de cetáceos: Tursiops truncatus, dois indivíduos; Orcinus orca, dois adultos e um filhote; Balaenoptera edeni, dois adultos e um filhote. Com aproveitamento de 7,9% do total de 2404 minutos. Em ponto fixo observou-se a ocorrência da Balaenoptera edeni em grupo de dois a três indivíduos ou solitária, com aproveitamento de 3,57% do tempo total de 12998 minutos de observações semanais. Nos percursos de praia realizados na Restinga da Marambaia, foram coletadas carcaças ou ossadas de 11 exemplares, dos quais 5 foram de Sotalia fluviatilis, 2 de Steno bredanensis, 2 de Tursiops truncatus, 1 Delphinus delphis e 1 Stenella cf frontalis somando os esforços nototal de 7967 minutosde observação. É importante citar que durante as observações dos cetáceos, estes encontravam-se à 50 m a 01 milha da costa, e constatou-se também a presença de cardumes de sardinhas (família Clupeidae), próximo desses animais. Identificou-sea presença de Eubalaena australis (baleia franca), na região através de uma fita de vídeo cedida por um morador da região. Consideran