Issue 49 - May 2019

How Will Tropical Mammals React to Rising Temperatures?

Ecologists draw conclusions from study of 400,000 TEAM Network camera-trap records

How wildlife will react to climate change is an open question, but one of the first studies to compare the responses of tropical mammals to warmer habitats suggests the answer won’t be as simple as “move to a cooler place.”

In a study published online this week in Global Ecology and Biogeography, Rice University ecologist and lead author Lydia Beaudrot and co-authors from a dozen institutions examined how 36 mammal species on three continents reacted to changing temperatures at specific places in their local habitats between 2007-15. The scientists used more than 400,000 camera-trap photos and observations, including temperature readings, from a global network of field stations operated by the Tropical Ecology Assessment and Monitoring (TEAM) Network.

“Temperatures didn’t warm drastically overall during the time of our study, so we don’t see huge shifts,” said Beaudrot, a data scientist and assistant professor of biosciences at Rice. “But we do see changes over time in micro habitat use because of changes in the local temperature. We see that these mammals are responding to these very local temperature changes, but they’re also responding to other species nearby.”

TEAM helps monitor long-term trends in tropical biodiversity with near real-time data from 17 sites in Africa, Asia, Central America and South America. TEAM, which began as a partnership between Conservation International, the Smithsonian Institution and the Wildlife Conservation Society, has joined the wildlife monitoring partnership Wildlife Insights.

mongoose

The species in the new study include all medium to large mammal species living mainly on the forest floor at seven TEAM sites where elevation changed by 500 meters or more.

“This is a unique study for our time,” said study co-author Miguel Acevedo of the University of Florida. “Twenty years ago we did not have the data, the analytical tools or the computational power to conduct this study.”

Chimpanzees, deer, duikers, wild boars, tayras, bush pigs, porcupines and mongoose were among the species studied. So was the world’s largest species of rat, the giant African pouched rat, which measures up to 3 feet from nose to tail, and smallest species of deer, the lesser mouse-deer, which can weigh less than 3 pounds.

“The broad-scale pattern conservation biologists are reporting with climate change is that species are moving toward the poles and up mountains,” said Beaudrot, who initiated the study four years ago during postdoctoral research at Conservation International. “By looking closely at these elevational gradients at the TEAM sites, we hope to get a snapshot of what might happen on a larger scale when species move north or south from the equator.”

The animals were monitored at TEAM sites in Costa Rica, Laos, Madagascar, Malaysia, Peru, Tanzania and Uganda.

Beaudrot said temperatures did not increase dramatically at the sites over the course of the study, and one might expect that the animals would be unfazed by such minor variations.

“We were still within the range of normal temperatures at these sites,” she said. “None of these temperature changes were pushing the animals outside the range of temperatures they were capable of living in.

“And despite the fact that mammals are warm-blooded and have pretty good buffering against changes in temperature, we saw really strong responses to changing local temperature over short time scales,” Beaudrot said.

Chimpanzee sitting

That said, the results were a far cry from the consistent shifts away from warmer temperatures that might be predicted by some classical ecological theories.

“We had six species with populations in multiple places, and interestingly, we saw the same species respond differently to changing temperatures at different places,” she said. “We interpret that to mean that animals are not responding solely to changing temperatures. They are also reacting to the changes of other species, like predators, prey and competitors.

“That’s important to know as we think about modelling how species will react to climate change,” Beaudrot said. “It shows we need to account not just for temperature changes but also for the other species that are there.”

“We learned that one size does not fit all when it comes to predicting the effects of environmental factors in species distributions,” Acevedo said.

Wildlife Insights, which is slated to launch this year, aims to gather millions of camera trap photos from professional and citizen scientists in a globally accessible database and to provide advanced analytical tools that conservationists can use to leverage the data and influence public policy. TEAM and Wildlife Insights are supported by Conservation International, the Smithsonian Institution, the Wildlife Conservation Society, the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation and other donors.

Lydia Beaudrot (Photo by Jeff Fitlow/Rice University)

A copy of the paper is available at: https://doi.org/10.1111/geb.12908

More information about Wildlife Insights and the TEAM Network is available at: https://wildlifeinsights.org/team-network

Additional co-authors include Jean-Philippe Lessard of Concordia University in Montreal; Alex Zvoleff of Conservation International in Arlington, Va.; Patrick Jansen of both the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama City and Wageningen University in the Netherlands; Douglas Sheil of the Norwegian University of Life Sciences in As, Norway; Francesco Rovero of the Museum of Sciences in Trento, Italy; Timothy O’Brien of the Wildlife Conservation Society in the Bronx, N.Y.; Eileen Larney of the Zoological Society of London in Thailand; Christine Fletcher of Forest Research Institute Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur; Sandy Andelman of the Organization for Tropical Studies in Costa Rica; and Jorge Ahumada of Conservation International and of Arizona State University in Tempe, Ariz.

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Issue 49 - May 2019

Best Spots for Whale Watching in South Australia

FEW SIGHTS ARE AS AWE-INSPIRING AS THE MIGRATION OF SOUTHERN RIGHT WHALES. DISCOVER THE BEST EXPERIENCES TO CATCH A GLIMPSE OF OR EVEN GET UP CLOSE TO OUR OCEAN’S GENTLE GIANTS IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

With some of the best whale watching spots right here in South Australia, find out where to see them from June to September and what whale watching tours will get you up close and personal on Kangaroo Island, the Fleurieu Peninsula and the Eyre Peninsula.

1. KAYAK NEXT TO WHALES WITH EP CRUISES, THE GREAT AUSTRALIAN BIGHT, EYRE PENINSULA

Southern Right Whales, Head of Bight

Imagine paddling next to majestic whales as the sun sets over the ocean. Sounds like a dream, right? Head to the Eyre Peninsula, a quick 90-minute flight from Adelaide to Ceduna and discover one of the most unique whale watching experiences in Australia with EP Cruises. Departing from Fowlers Bay, less than two hours from Ceduna, you’ll venture out into the stunning bay on kayak at sunset or sunrise with an experienced local guide. Chances are, you’ll be joined on this once-in-a-lifetime experience by some of the biggest names on the Eyre Peninsula, Southern Right Whales, as you kayak around the bay.

2. KANGAROO ISLAND OCEAN SAFARI, KANGAROO ISLAND

Kangaroo Island Ocean Safari

The waters surrounding Kangaroo Island are always brimming with wildlife and come May to October, Southern Right Whales join the local marine life on their annual migration. Hop aboard Kangaroo Island Ocean Safari for a spectacular 75-minute coastal and wildlife tour visiting places like Dolphin Cove, Kangaroo Head and Snapper Point. See whales set against the magnificent ancient coastline from the comfort of a Gemini Waverider that carries up to 12. You’ll also spot dolphins, seals and seabirds as you cruise around the island.

Keep an eye out when you’re back on land too – whales can be seen all around Kangaroo Island. Top spots for whale watching include Penneshaw and around Kingscote.

3. BIG DUCK BOAT TOURS, VICTOR HARBOR

Big Duck Tours, Fleurieu Peninsula

Just an hour south of Adelaide lies one of the best whale watching spots in Australia, Victor Harbor. Jump on the 90-minute Southern Ocean Adventure Tour with Big Duck Boat Tours and spot whales, seals, sea lions and dolphins set against the picturesque Fleurieu Peninsula coastline. Departing from the iconic Granite Island Causeway, voyage through the waters between the mainland and the island before stopping at Seal Bay to see New Zealand Fur Seals and Australian Sea Lions lounging in the sun. Venture further and pass by Wright island, the Bluff, Shark Alley and the spectacular cliff coastline of Kings Beach and Waitpinga as you learn about the whaling history of the area. Seabirds abound in this remote area and pods of Common and Bottlenose Dolphins can often be spotted playing or feeding. From June to September, there’s a good chance you’ll catch a glimpse of Southern Right Whales as they migrate from Antarctica to the warm waters of Encounter Bay.

Back on solid ground in Victor Harbor you’ll also find some of the best vantage points in South Australia to watch the annual whale migration. Top spots include The Bluff, Encounter Bay and Freeman Lookout further on in neighbouring Port Elliot.

4. XPLORE EYRE, EYRE PENINSULA

Explore Eyre, Eyre Peninsula

Experience every aspect of the Eyre Peninsula in style as it becomes home to up to 170 whales on a three-day whale extravaganza with Xplore Eyre. Departing from Adelaide, this epic all-inclusive tour includes return flights from Adelaide to Ceduna, executive 4wd transport, two nights four-and-a-half-star accommodation, all park entry fees, locally sourced premium meals and wine, the expertise of a local guide and an optional scenic flight over Head of Bight. Soak in the incredible Head of Bight scenery from every angle, have a personal guide on hand to answer all of your questions, indulge in some of the state’s best seafood, and of course, spot whales from the very best viewpoints on the Eyre Peninsula. What more could you want?

5. EP CRUISES, EYRE PENINSULA

Nullarbor Plain, Eyre Peninsula

Steady your sea legs and spend the morning cruising the spectacular waters around Fowlers Bay, spotting boundless wildlife and soaking in epic views of the surrounding rugged cliffs, endless sand dunes and crystal-clear waters. Southern Right and Humpback Whales frequent Fowlers Bay during their annual migration, often remaining within the bay for several weeks to calve and nurse their young, making it the perfect location to spot these majestic creatures. Jump on a 90-minute whale watching tour with EP Cruises and experience the whales as they swim up to, under and around the boat. The water around these parts is packed with wildlife, with Common and Bottlenose Dolphins, Australian Sea Lions, New Zealand Fur Seals, White Bellied Sea Eagles, Little Penguins and some rare species of Albatross are just a few of the other locals who might stop by to say hello.

6. CHINTA AIR TOURS, EYRE PENINSULA

Southern Right Whales, Head of Bight

Take to the skies and see Southern Right Whales like never before at one of the world’s most renowned whale-spotting locations. After a quick 90-minute flight from Adelaide to Ceduna, journey three hours by car to the beautiful Head of Bight and jump on a scenic flight with Chinta Air. You’ll travel over breathtaking rugged coastline and be stunned by the sheer scale of the Bunda Cliffs before flying right over the Great Australian Bight Marine Park where whales and their calves can be found frolicking in the waters below. Southern Right Whales migrate to the region between June and September every year to birth and rear their young, making for some magical wildlife encounters. Departing from the Nullarbor Roadhouse, tour options range from 20 minutes to a full hour.

7. HEAD OF BIGHT INTERPRETIVE CENTRE, EYRE PENINSULA

Head of Bite Interpretive Centre, Eyre Peninsula

One of the most popular places to see these gentle 90-tonne giants of the sea is at Head of Bight on the Eyre Peninsula. Journey to the iconic Nullarbor and discover the Head of Bight Interpretive Centre and the most significant nursery ground for Southern Right Whales in the world. At the height of whale season, up to 100 whales can be spotted in the waters of Head of Bight at any one time, with 170 whales including 68 calves passing through these waters in 2018 alone. Follow a cliff-top boardwalk to a viewing platform from where migrating whales can be seen in the deep blue waters below. Bring your binoculars for a better look.

8. SOUTH AUSTRALIAN WHALE CENTRE, FLEURIEU PENINSULA

Southern Right Whales, Fleurieu Peninsula

Come winter, the picturesque seaside town of Victor Harbor draws nature lovers from all over to catch a glimpse Southern Right Whales on their annual migration. Victor Harbor is also home to the South Australian Whale Centre, a hands-on interactive centre where you can learn all about the giants of the deep and get whale watching tips from the local experts. Located in a heritage-listed railway building, the centre brings together a unique collection of historic treasures and marine, cultural, and aboriginal heritage displays.

While you’re in town, pack your binoculars and take a self-guided tour to spot mothers and calves at The Bluff and Encounter Bay. Starting at Horseshoe Bay, head across the headland to Knights Beach where you’ll find the Harbour Master’s walk. Follow a cobblestone path past Lady’s Beach, Rocky Bay and Green Bay before reaching Knights Beach. From here, take a trail to Freemans Lookout where you’ll experience some of the region’s best whale watching. Other areas along the coast for whale spotting include Port Elliot and Middleton.

WHALE LOGS

Plan your encounter with these awe-inspiring creatures and keep up to date with the latest sightings using the Big Duck’s Whale Log and the South Australian Whale Centre’s Live Sightings Log.

EXPERIENCE SOUTH AUSTRALIA’S ABUNDANT WILDLIFE

Whales are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to wildlife in South Australia. Get back to nature and discover the best wildlife experiences, swimming safaris and winter wildlife watching destinations in South Australia.

South Australian Tourism Commission (SATC), the Government of South Australia, Whale Watching in South Australia, https://southaustralia.com/travel-blog/whale-watching-in-south-australia

Issue 49 - May 2019

SEVENSEAS Travel Magazine – May 2019 – Issue 49

Sevenseas marine conservation and travel media May Cover Southern Australia

Remove 5 pounds of ocean plastic and support a coastal community

SEVENSEAS Media has been working with communities throughout Thailand to implement innovative approaches on waste reduction, recycling, and more responsible management of marine resources. With every $30 donation we will pull 5 pounds of plastic from the ocean. Read more…

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Upcycled Cement Messenger Bags That Support Ocean Conservation $28.95

These messenger bags provide a new life to construction waste and 10% of the proceeds go directly to SEVENSEAS Media. SHOP NOW.

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A deep dive into Japan’s questionable treatment of marine life

Japan is in many ways a world leading nation, but when it comes to protecting their marine life they are falling way short of the mark. Read more…

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New Online Journal Dedicated to the Plight of African Elephants

We are thrilled to let you know about the launch of another great online publication which covers such a pressing issue. The Journal of African Elephants spotlights the crisis facing African elephants through daily news reports, commentary, studies, research and campaigns. Read more…

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Under the Waves with Karim Iliya, May 2019

Out of the deep blue came 2 blue whales, a mother and her baby, shining giants, glowing a metallic blue unlike anything Iʼve ever seen. See more…