Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/2440/123449
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Type: Journal article
Title: Interspecific interactions, movement patterns and habitat use in a diverse coastal shark assemblage
Author: Heupel, M.R.
Munroe, S.E.M.
Lédée, E.J.I.
Chin, A.
Simpfendorfer, C.A.
Citation: Marine Biology: international journal on life in oceans and coastal waters, 2019; 166(6):68-1-68-17
Publisher: Springer Nature
Issue Date: 2019
ISSN: 0025-3162
1432-1793
Statement of
Responsibility: 
Michelle R. Heupel, Samantha E.M. Munroe, Elodie J.I. Lédée, Andrew Chin, Colin A. Simpfendorfer
Abstract: Sharks are a highly diverse predatory taxon and are regularly found in large, potentially competitive, assemblages. However, the mechanisms that enable long-term coexistence and factors that drive complementary movement are poorly understood. As interspecific interactions can have a large influence on survival and trophic linkages, research on shark assemblages could substantially increase our understanding of marine community dynamics. In this study, we used passive acoustic telemetry to compare the activity space size, spatial overlap and habitat use patterns of six co-occurring shark species from the same family in a tropical nearshore embayment. Our results indicated that all sizes of Rhizoprionodon taylori (a small-bodied, highly productive species) used significantly larger amounts of space (e.g., mean 95% KUD = 85.9 km2) than juveniles of large-bodied, less productive species (e.g., Carcharhinus amboinensis; 62.3 km2) that use nearshore areas as nursery areas. Most large, less productive species appeared risk averse by using less space, while the smaller more productive species took greater risk by roaming broadly. These movement strategies are likely a means of avoiding predation or gaining access to new or additional resources. Spatial overlap patterns varied substantially between species with overlap in core use areas ranging from 1.2 to 27.6%, but were consistent over time. Most species exhibited low spatial overlap, suggesting spatial partitioning to reduce interspecific competition. While a few species exhibited a high degree of spatial overlap (up to 60% of activity space extent), dietary diversity may reduce competition to support co-occurrence. These data suggest that complex interactions occur in communal nurseries in nearshore waters where species are in direct competition for resources at vulnerable life stages.
Rights: © Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2019
DOI: 10.1007/s00227-019-3511-7
Grant ID: ARC
Published version: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00227-019-3511-7
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