Potential geographical distribution of seven species of marine cetaceans reported in Venezuela, Southeast Caribbean (In English)

摘要

This study describes the potential geographical distribution of the most frequently sighted marine cetaceans in Venezuelan waters. Through GIS analysis, cetacean sightings were contrasted to topography and depth in order to generate distribution maps. 16 species (402 sighting records) were reported. Out of these, Balaenoptera edeni , Megaptera novaeangliae , Delphinus spp., Sotalia guianensis , Stenella frontalis , Stenella longirostris and Tursiops truncatus were the most frequently sighted. Balaenoptera edeni and Tursiops truncatus might occupy the whole coast, including estuarine areas. The seasonal distribution of humpback whales is probably concentrated on insular coasts and shallow waters of the continental shelf. Delphinus spp. could be associated to high slope areas or coastal upwelling zones. Stenella frontalis is probably present in the western part of the Northeastern region, central coast and the parallel islands to the Venezuelan coast. Stenella longirostris could be in neritic and pelagic areas. Potential maps could be useful as baselines to establish critical habitat in a productive ecosystem where speciation may be occurring, and to declare new protected areas for cetacean conservation in Venezuelan waters [ Acta Zoologica Sinica 53 (5): 853–864, 2007]. .