An environmental index for habitat utilization by female harbour porpoises with calves near Deer Island, Bay of Fundy

摘要: Abstract The Bay of Fundy is a known area concentration Phocoena phocoena during the summer months. In this study, 698 females with calves and 5 473 porpoises other social status were sighted 1 858 hours observation from July–September 1970–1977. It was noted that segregation mother-calf pairs occurred in certain sectors study area. To evaluate habitat utilization by pairs, numerical index developed which evaluated information on 12 physical biological factors such as water temperature, current velocity, bottom depth food availability indicated level secondary productivity. Statistical analysis revealed significant (p < 0.001) relationship between uncorrected sightings per unit effort (S/UE) for index. suggested complex interaction influences distribution pairs. There no strong correlations S/UE values individual c...