Inferred global connectivity of whale shark Rhincodon typus populations

摘要: Ten years have passed since the last synopsis of whale shark Rhincodon typus biogeography. While a recent review species' biology and ecology summarized vast data collected then, it is clear that information on population geographic connectivity, migration demography R. still limited scattered. Understanding migratory behaviour central to its conservation management considering genetic evidence suggesting local aggregations are connected at generational scale over entire ocean basins. By collating available sightings, tracked movements distribution information, this provides for hypothesis broad-scale connectivity among populations, generates model describing how world's part single, global meta-population. occurrence timings patterns make possible connection between several aggregation sites in Indian Ocean. The present conceptual validating lend support able move three largest basins with minimum total travelling time around 2-4 years. worldwide perspective routes, suggests modified focus additional research test predictions. framework can be used trim hypotheses timings, thereby isolating mating breeding areas currently unknown. This will assist endeavours predict longer-term response species warming changing human-induced mortality.