Isotopic niche overlap between sympatric Australian snubfin and humpback dolphins
Abstract Ecological niche theory predicts the coexistence of closely related species is promoted by resource partitioning in space and time. Australian snubfin (Orcaella heinsohni) and humpback (Sousa sahulensis) dolphins live in sympatry throughout most of their range in northern Australian waters....
| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Wiley
2022-05-01
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| Series: | Ecology and Evolution |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.8937 |
| _version_ | 1817986343010041856 |
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| author | Guido J. Parra Zachary Wojtkowiak Katharina J. Peters Daniele Cagnazzi |
| author_facet | Guido J. Parra Zachary Wojtkowiak Katharina J. Peters Daniele Cagnazzi |
| author_sort | Guido J. Parra |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Ecological niche theory predicts the coexistence of closely related species is promoted by resource partitioning in space and time. Australian snubfin (Orcaella heinsohni) and humpback (Sousa sahulensis) dolphins live in sympatry throughout most of their range in northern Australian waters. We compared stable isotope ratios of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) in their skin to investigate resource partitioning between these ecologically similar species. Skin samples were collected from live Australian snubfin (n = 31) and humpback dolphins (n = 23) along the east coast of Queensland in 2014–2015. Both species had similar δ13C and δ15N values and high (>50%) isotopic niche space overlap, suggesting that they feed at similar trophic levels, have substantial dietary overlap, and rely on similar basal food resources. Despite similarities, snubfin dolphins were more likely to have a larger δ15N value than humpback dolphins, indicating they may forage on a wider diversity of prey. Humpback dolphins were more likely to have a larger δ13C range suggesting they may forage on a wider range of habitats. Overall, results suggest that subtle differences in habitat use and prey selection are likely the principal resource partitioning mechanisms enabling the coexistence of Australian snubfin and humpback dolphins. |
| first_indexed | 2024-04-14T00:08:44Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-69e75247a72d46fea93b91e885671c4a |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2045-7758 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-04-14T00:08:44Z |
| publishDate | 2022-05-01 |
| publisher | Wiley |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Ecology and Evolution |
| spelling | doaj.art-69e75247a72d46fea93b91e885671c4a2022-12-22T02:23:26ZengWileyEcology and Evolution2045-77582022-05-01125n/an/a10.1002/ece3.8937Isotopic niche overlap between sympatric Australian snubfin and humpback dolphinsGuido J. Parra0Zachary Wojtkowiak1Katharina J. Peters2Daniele Cagnazzi3Cetacean Ecology, Behavior and Evolution Lab College of Science and Engineering Flinders University Adelaide South Australia AustraliaCetacean Ecology, Behavior and Evolution Lab College of Science and Engineering Flinders University Adelaide South Australia AustraliaEvolutionary Genetics Group Department of Anthropology University of Zurich Zurich SwitzerlandMarine Ecology Research Centre Faculty of Science and Engineering Southern Cross University Lismore New South Wales AustraliaAbstract Ecological niche theory predicts the coexistence of closely related species is promoted by resource partitioning in space and time. Australian snubfin (Orcaella heinsohni) and humpback (Sousa sahulensis) dolphins live in sympatry throughout most of their range in northern Australian waters. We compared stable isotope ratios of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) in their skin to investigate resource partitioning between these ecologically similar species. Skin samples were collected from live Australian snubfin (n = 31) and humpback dolphins (n = 23) along the east coast of Queensland in 2014–2015. Both species had similar δ13C and δ15N values and high (>50%) isotopic niche space overlap, suggesting that they feed at similar trophic levels, have substantial dietary overlap, and rely on similar basal food resources. Despite similarities, snubfin dolphins were more likely to have a larger δ15N value than humpback dolphins, indicating they may forage on a wider diversity of prey. Humpback dolphins were more likely to have a larger δ13C range suggesting they may forage on a wider range of habitats. Overall, results suggest that subtle differences in habitat use and prey selection are likely the principal resource partitioning mechanisms enabling the coexistence of Australian snubfin and humpback dolphins.https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.8937cetaceansecological nichefeeding ecologyOrcaella heinsohniresource partitioningSIBER |
| spellingShingle | Guido J. Parra Zachary Wojtkowiak Katharina J. Peters Daniele Cagnazzi Isotopic niche overlap between sympatric Australian snubfin and humpback dolphins Ecology and Evolution cetaceans ecological niche feeding ecology Orcaella heinsohni resource partitioning SIBER |
| title | Isotopic niche overlap between sympatric Australian snubfin and humpback dolphins |
| title_full | Isotopic niche overlap between sympatric Australian snubfin and humpback dolphins |
| title_fullStr | Isotopic niche overlap between sympatric Australian snubfin and humpback dolphins |
| title_full_unstemmed | Isotopic niche overlap between sympatric Australian snubfin and humpback dolphins |
| title_short | Isotopic niche overlap between sympatric Australian snubfin and humpback dolphins |
| title_sort | isotopic niche overlap between sympatric australian snubfin and humpback dolphins |
| topic | cetaceans ecological niche feeding ecology Orcaella heinsohni resource partitioning SIBER |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.8937 |
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