103
The Humpback whale is studied from LBS from different locations. A long-term
systematic study is conducted from Abrolhos Archipelago (Bahia State) since 1997
(details are present in Box 4.3).
4.3.3 Chile
In Chile land-based stations were used to study Odontocetes, Mysticetes and
Pinnipeds (Table 4.2, Figure 4.8). Despite its usual offshore distribution, Blue
whales (Balaenoptera musculus) occur in close proximity to the coast in Chiloé.
Cabrera et al. (2005) observed Balaenopterids and blue whales from land-based stations (38 and 58 m asl equipped with binoculars). The authors suggested that the
implementation of a Marine Protected Area (MPA) in this Blue whale nursing and
feeding ground of the Chiloé and Corcovado region should be a high priority measure for government authorities. Another blue whale study, combining aerial, boat
and land- based surveys, aiming to monitor the species’ occurrence in the area, was
developed. From the land-based station located 104 m asl and equipped with 12 × 50
binoculars, trained observers recorded time, group size and estimated distance of
whales from the coast (Vernazzani et al. 2012).
Land-based studies were conducted in two colonies of South American sea lion
(Otaria flavescens): Isla Chañaral (Pavez et al. 2011), which is part of the Isla
Chañaral Marine Reserve and the National Humboldt Penguin Reserve; and at
Cobquecura breeding colony (Sepúlveda et al. 2012). The study at Isla Chañaral
aimed to investigate the effects of tourist activities during the species breeding season. Sea lions response was negatively correlated to the distance at which boats
approached the colony. Authors support limiting the distance of approach to 50 m in
order to avoid disrupting animals’ behavior (Pavez et al. 2011). The study at
Cobquecura breeding colony was made from a distance of about 80 m using 10 × 15
binoculars and hand tally counters. Counts were conducted at 60 min. Fine-scale
differences in haul-out behavior among age/sex classes were identified, as well as
daily and seasonal differences in abundance. Authors pointed the importance of
taken into consideration these aspects when planning surveys to estimate population
abundance (Sepúlveda et al. 2012).
4.3.4 Colombia
As a first attempt to characterize cetacean occurrence on the central coast of the
Colombian Caribbean, in the region of Santa Marta and the adjacent Tayrona
National Natural Park, a combination of land-based and boat-based surveys was
conducted. Land-based station observations were conducted at four places, all of
them with heights greater than 20 m asl and with an effective radial field-of-view of
about 2 km (Pardo and Palacios 2006). The occurrence of seven cetacean species
4 Land-Based Station Studies of Aquatic Mammals in Latin America: Understanding…
The Humpback whale is studied from LBS from different locations. A long-term
systematic study is conducted from Abrolhos Archipelago (Bahia State) since 1997
(details are present in Box 4.3).
4.3.3 Chile
In Chile land-based stations were used to study Odontocetes, Mysticetes and
Pinnipeds (Table 4.2, Figure 4.8). Despite its usual offshore distribution, Blue
whales (Balaenoptera musculus) occur in close proximity to the coast in Chiloé.
Cabrera et al. (2005) observed Balaenopterids and blue whales from land-based stations (38 and 58 m asl equipped with binoculars). The authors suggested that the
implementation of a Marine Protected Area (MPA) in this Blue whale nursing and
feeding ground of the Chiloé and Corcovado region should be a high priority measure for government authorities. Another blue whale study, combining aerial, boat
and land- based surveys, aiming to monitor the species’ occurrence in the area, was
developed. From the land-based station located 104 m asl and equipped with 12 × 50
binoculars, trained observers recorded time, group size and estimated distance of
whales from the coast (Vernazzani et al. 2012).
Land-based studies were conducted in two colonies of South American sea lion
(Otaria flavescens): Isla Chañaral (Pavez et al. 2011), which is part of the Isla
Chañaral Marine Reserve and the National Humboldt Penguin Reserve; and at
Cobquecura breeding colony (Sepúlveda et al. 2012). The study at Isla Chañaral
aimed to investigate the effects of tourist activities during the species breeding season. Sea lions response was negatively correlated to the distance at which boats
approached the colony. Authors support limiting the distance of approach to 50 m in
order to avoid disrupting animals’ behavior (Pavez et al. 2011). The study at
Cobquecura breeding colony was made from a distance of about 80 m using 10 × 15
binoculars and hand tally counters. Counts were conducted at 60 min. Fine-scale
differences in haul-out behavior among age/sex classes were identified, as well as
daily and seasonal differences in abundance. Authors pointed the importance of
taken into consideration these aspects when planning surveys to estimate population
abundance (Sepúlveda et al. 2012).
4.3.4 Colombia
As a first attempt to characterize cetacean occurrence on the central coast of the
Colombian Caribbean, in the region of Santa Marta and the adjacent Tayrona
National Natural Park, a combination of land-based and boat-based surveys was
conducted. Land-based station observations were conducted at four places, all of
them with heights greater than 20 m asl and with an effective radial field-of-view of
about 2 km (Pardo and Palacios 2006). The occurrence of seven cetacean species
4 Land-Based Station Studies of Aquatic Mammals in Latin America: Understanding…