77
© Springer International Publishing AG 2018
M.R. Rossi-Santos, C.W. Finkl (eds.), Advances in Marine Vertebrate Research
in Latin America, Coastal Research Library 22,
DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-56985-7_4
Chapter 4
Land-Based Station Studies of Aquatic
Mammals in Latin America: Understanding
Behavior for Conservation
Maria Emilia Morete, Daniela Abras, and Cristiane C.A. Martins
Abstract Behavioral studies are the key to understand animals and to build up the
knowledge of their ecology playing a key role in investigating consequences of
anthropogenic activities. Land-based station (LBS) enables broad view of animals
in their habitat, not interfering in their natural behavior. This chapter presents an
overview of LBS research comprehensiveness, limitations, methodologies and
equipment, guiding readers to the main literature in the field. In Latin America LBS
studies have been identified in 11 countries: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia,
Ecuador, French Guiana, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela. At
least 27 species of aquatic mammals have been studied from land, comprising six
Mysticetes, 18 Odontocetes, two Pinnipeds and a Sirenian. LBS research enhanced
the knowledge of several species behavior, movement patterns, distribution, and
habitat use. They have provided valuable support to conservation measures and
coastal management in Latin America countries. Because of their relative low cost,
simple logistics and diverse possibilities, LBS studies should be encouraged in all
areas where aquatic mammals are present and observations from land are feasible.
Keywords Land-based station • Animal behavior • Behavioral study • Aquatic
mammals • Observational methodologies • Theodolite • Total station
M.E. Morete (*) • D. Abras
VIVA Baleias, Golfinhos e cia,
Estr. Ana Procópio de Moraes 783, Santana Do Parnaiba 06528--551, Brazil
e-mail: miamorete@gmail.com
C.C.A. Martins
Tryphon Oceans, 4 Rue du Moulin-à-Baude, CP 451, Tadoussac, QC G0T2A0, Canada
© Springer International Publishing AG 2018
M.R. Rossi-Santos, C.W. Finkl (eds.), Advances in Marine Vertebrate Research
in Latin America, Coastal Research Library 22,
DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-56985-7_4
Chapter 4
Land-Based Station Studies of Aquatic
Mammals in Latin America: Understanding
Behavior for Conservation
Maria Emilia Morete, Daniela Abras, and Cristiane C.A. Martins
Abstract Behavioral studies are the key to understand animals and to build up the
knowledge of their ecology playing a key role in investigating consequences of
anthropogenic activities. Land-based station (LBS) enables broad view of animals
in their habitat, not interfering in their natural behavior. This chapter presents an
overview of LBS research comprehensiveness, limitations, methodologies and
equipment, guiding readers to the main literature in the field. In Latin America LBS
studies have been identified in 11 countries: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia,
Ecuador, French Guiana, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela. At
least 27 species of aquatic mammals have been studied from land, comprising six
Mysticetes, 18 Odontocetes, two Pinnipeds and a Sirenian. LBS research enhanced
the knowledge of several species behavior, movement patterns, distribution, and
habitat use. They have provided valuable support to conservation measures and
coastal management in Latin America countries. Because of their relative low cost,
simple logistics and diverse possibilities, LBS studies should be encouraged in all
areas where aquatic mammals are present and observations from land are feasible.
Keywords Land-based station • Animal behavior • Behavioral study • Aquatic
mammals • Observational methodologies • Theodolite • Total station
M.E. Morete (*) • D. Abras
VIVA Baleias, Golfinhos e cia,
Estr. Ana Procópio de Moraes 783, Santana Do Parnaiba 06528--551, Brazil
e-mail: miamorete@gmail.com
C.C.A. Martins
Tryphon Oceans, 4 Rue du Moulin-à-Baude, CP 451, Tadoussac, QC G0T2A0, Canada