Recent rapid increases in the right whale ( Eubalaena australis ) population off southern Brazil

摘要: Right whales (Eubalaena australis) that gather on a wintering ground off southern Brazil have been aerial surveyed and photographically identified since 1987. As of 2003 the Brazilian Whale Catalogue has 315 different individual which 31 were resighted in other years (23 females, 3 yearlings 5 unknown age/sex). No resightings occurred prior to 1994 71% (n=24) recorded 2003. The modal observed interval between calving events is years, consistent with successful reproduction. From 1997 number reproductive females Central Survey Area increased at rate 29.8% per year (95% CL 15.7, 44.0), 14% 7.1, 20.9) from 1987 These rates are significantly zero (t=4.133, p<0.009 t=4.06, p<0.004, respectively). increase higher than for right grounds South Atlantic. not just transients. Ten percent resighted. If continues they will probably expand their distribution throughout historical 2,400 km range come into increasing conflict human activities.