Abstract
Understanding movement and connectivity of populations is increasingly important as human and climate change pressures become more pervasive, but can be problematic in difficult to observe species such as large marine predators. We examined the movements of bull sharks, Carcharhinus leucas, using acoustic telemetry arrays along the east coast of Australia. Approximately half of 75 individuals released in temperate waters moved into tropical reef regions, with both sexes undertaking long-range movements and multiple individuals making return trips. Only 3% of 39 individuals released in tropical reef habitats moved south to temperate waters, but approximately 25% moved to southern reef or subtropical coastal areas. These results reveal complex linkages along the east coast of Australia which suggest a tropical reef based population comprised of individuals that migrate to multiple regions. Connectivity between locations along the east coast of Australia creates important conservation challenges for resource managers in multiple jurisdictions.
Highlights
IntroductionHigh level consumers that move between different habitats and ecosystems (i.e., mobile link species as defined by Lundberg and Moberg, 2003) play disproportionately important roles in the stability and functioning of these systems (McCann et al, 2005)
High level consumers that move between different habitats and ecosystems play disproportionately important roles in the stability and functioning of these systems (McCann et al, 2005)
We examined the movements of bull sharks, Carcharhinus leucas, using acoustic telemetry arrays along the east coast of Australia
Summary
High level consumers that move between different habitats and ecosystems (i.e., mobile link species as defined by Lundberg and Moberg, 2003) play disproportionately important roles in the stability and functioning of these systems (McCann et al, 2005). Mobile link species can play a wide array of ecological roles in both terrestrial and aquatic habitats, from spreading seeds and pollinating (Couvreur et al, 2004) to increasing the resilience of coral reefs (Nyström and Folke, 2001). Within marine systems there are limited data on the movements of large top predators and the roles they play as mobile links in ecosystems because of the logistical challenges involved in their study. Satellite and acoustic telemetry have increased the spatial resolution and understanding of when and where large marine predators move (Heupel et al, 2006; Block et al, 2011)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
