Fang Fei Tham: Strandings patterns of deep diving predators in Aotearoa New Zealand

<p dir="ltr">Top marine predators act as ecosystem sentinels, with deep diving marine mammals reflective of processes occurring in the deep sea. Pygmy sperm whales (Kogia breviceps) and goose-beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris) are both deep sea dwelling marine mammals. Around Aotearoa New Zealand, both these species are rarely sighted at sea, yet are two of the most frequently stranded species. Opportunistic tissue sampling and associated metadata from stranded individuals, coupled with genetic tools, allow for critical insights into these two cryptic species. Here, we determine seasonal patterns of stranding of these two top marine predators. Pygmy sperm whales strand primarily around the North Island, with increased number of strandings in Autumn (p-value = 0.006). Conversely, goose-beaked whales strand in most regions of Aotearoa New Zealand, and strand year-round. Insights into spatiotemporal stranding patterns of these elusive species is currently the only way currently to inform conservation management policies in New Zealand. </p>