Social Network Analysis Reveals Potential Fission-Fusion Behavior in a Shark

Author(s)Haulsee,Danielle E.
Author(s)Fox,Dewayne A.
Author(s)Breece,Matthew W.
Author(s)Brown,Lori M.
Author(s)Kneebone,Jeff
Author(s)Skomal,Gregory B.
Author(s)Oliver,Matthew J.
Ordered AuthorDanielle E. Haulsee, Dewayne A. Fox, Matthew W. Breece, Lori M. Brown, Jeff Kneebone, Gregory B. Skomal and Matthew J. Oliver
UD AuthorOliver, Matthew John
Date Accessioned2017-07-25T19:33:18Z
Date Available2017-07-25T19:33:18Z
Copyright Date2016, Rights Managed by Nature Publishing Group
Publication Date9/30/16
DescriptionPublisher's PDF
AbstractComplex social networks and behaviors are difficult to observe for free-living marine species, especially those that move great distances. Using implanted acoustic transceivers to study the inter-and intraspecific interactions of sand tiger sharks Carcharias taurus, we observed group behavior that has historically been associated with higher order mammals. We found evidence strongly suggestive of fission-fusion behavior, or changes in group size and composition of sand tigers, related to five behavioral modes (summering, south migration, community bottleneck, dispersal, north migration). Our study shows sexually dimorphic behavior during migration, in addition to presenting evidence of a potential solitary phase for these typically gregarious sharks. Sand tigers spent up to 95 consecutive and 335 cumulative hours together, with the strongest relationships occurring between males. Species that exhibit fission-fusion group dynamics pose a particularly challenging issue for conservation and management because changes in group size and composition affect population estimates and amplify anthropogenic impacts.
DepartmentUniversity of Delware, College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment
CitationHaulsee, D. E., Fox, D. A., Breece, M. W., Brown, L. M., Kneebone, J., Skomal, G. B., & Oliver, M. J. (2016). Social network analysis reveals potential fission-fusion behavior in a shark. Scientific Reports, 6, 34087. doi:10.1038/srep34087
DOI10.1038/srep34087
ISSN2045-2322
URLhttp://udspace.udel.edu/handle/19716/21604
LanguageEnglish
PublisherNature Publishing Group
dc.rightsCC BY 4.0
dc.sourceScientific Reports
dc.source.urihttps://www.nature.com/srep/
TitleSocial Network Analysis Reveals Potential Fission-Fusion Behavior in a Shark
TypeArticle
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