Horizontal and vertical movements as predictors of foraging success in a marine predator

摘要: With technical advances in wildlife telemetry, the study of cryptic predators' responses to prey distribution has been revolutionised. In case marine predators, high resolution tagging devices have developed recently collect precise diving datasets covering extended periods time. this study, we investigated changes horizontal movements and patterns a predator, southern elephant seal, at fine temporal spatial scales. Satellite tracking data collected for 9 seals were processed with switching state-space models. Seal body condition, as proxy foraging success, was estimated through drift rate from Time Depth Recorder (TDR) data. We identified (1) statistically distinct behavioural modes (intensive vs. extensive modes) (2) dive classes TDR (drift, exploratory, shallow active deep dives). Active dives, associated vertical chasing, more numerous when intensive mode. Improved condition mass gain also mode and, within dimension, sets highly dives. conclusion, proportions varied according seals' behaviour. Intensive detected surface is good predictor activity success occurring dimension.