Humpback whales washed ashore in southeastern Brazil from 1981 to 2011: stranding patterns and microbial pathogens survey

摘要: In the Southwest Atlantic Ocean wintering breeding ground of Megaptera novaeangliae is located in northeastern coast Brazil, mainly Abrolhos Bank (16°55′ S, 38°50′ W) and its surroundings. During migratory percussion, events strandings are thought to occur. A total 58 stranded humpback whales were recorded between 1981 2011 along Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. The number 20 years (1992–2011) increased during period study, with a mean 2.6 per year. 2010 peak occurred 13 records strandings. Most them preferably southern half study area, or southeast area state. Three cases entanglement found, two these involving calves less than eight meters body length. Stranding more frequent winter spring. No statistical differences found age categories, but 33% classified as “dependent calf” (< 8 m length). Males often females. Only one whale out 16 specimens that had stomach contents examined presented food remains, comprising only cephalopod beaks squid Doryteuthis sanpaulensis. Bacteriological survey Vibrionaceae Aeromonadaceae agents three live on Brazilian indicated evidence animal impairment resulted associated cause death stranding event.