Towards population-level conservation in the critically endangered Antarctic blue whale: the number and distribution of their populations
Abstract
Population-level conservation is required to prevent biodiversity loss within a species, but it first
necessitates determining the number and distribution of populations. Many whale populations are still
depleted due to 20th century whaling. Whales are one of the most logistically difficult and expensive
animals to study because of their mobility, pelagic lifestyle and often remote habitat. We tackle the
question of population structure in the Antarctic blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus intermedia) – a
critically endangered subspecies and the largest extant animal – by capitalizing on the largest genetic
dataset to date for Antarctic blue whales. We found evidence of three populations that are sympatric
in the Antarctic feeding grounds and likely occupy separate breeding grounds. Our study adds to
knowledge of population structure in the Antarctic blue whale. Future research should invest in locating
the breeding grounds and migratory routes of Antarctic blue whales through satellite telemetry to
confirm their population structure and allow population-level conservation.
Description
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