Organismal and 'gametic' capture-recapture using microsatellite genotyping confirm low abundance and reproductive autonomy of humpback whales on the wintering grounds of New Caledonia

摘要: The abundance and reproductive autonomy of humpback whales from the New Caledo- nia (South Pacific) wintering grounds were investigated using capture-recapture models pater- nity inference based on nuclear microsatellite genotyping, mitochondrial DNA sequencing, molecu- lar sex identification photographs natural markings (photo-identification). analyses included records 213 individuals (excluding 16 calves used in paternity inference) identified by genotypes (9 loci), 210 fluke photographs, collected 1995 to 2001. By compar- ing 175 both a small number errors detected (and corrected) photo-identification catalogue field labora- tory notes genotypes. Using weighted mean Petersen model, estimate genotyping (N = 533, CV 0.15) was larger than 327, 0.11). Sex-specific estimates similar for males females although variance female greater male f 248, 0.30; Nm 288, 0.18, respectively). 5 sam- pled cow/calf pairs inferred total sample 133 non-calf (one offspring each). sampled paternities an alternate 'gametic recap- ture' abundance. This gametic recapture (Nm 379, 0.30) sex-specific organismal 2-sample model 382, 0.22). close agreement support as- sumption that this whale ground represents autonomous population unit is relatively closed demographic interchange. current low Caledonian breeding highlights slow recovery some other regional popu- lations Southern Hemisphere following intensive 20th century commercial illegal whaling.