Mammal Research Institute

Multiple strategies and cues define baleen whale migration

Migration is a do-or-die life-history strategy, yet factors shaping it remain poorly studied in many marine taxa, as direct observations are difficult. Building on animal migration theory, we used satellite tracking data from 21 southern right whales tagged in Aotearoa New Zealan...

Behaviour of an unlikely apex predator: temporal partitioning and hunting strategies of coastal brown hyaenas

Understanding the behavioural ecology of carnivores in unique ecosystems is critical for effective conservation. This study investigated the foraging behaviour of brown hyaenas, Parahyaena brunnea , at Baker's Bay, a coastal ecosystem in southern Namibia, where hyaenas rely predo...

Activity shapes large herbivores’ ecological influences

The ecological effects of large herbivores are shaped by their spatial and temporal patterns of activity (i.e. where, when and how intensely they use specific locations). When large herbivores' ecological influences are perceived to be undesirable, the traditional approach has be...

Baseline characterization of inshore reef soundscapes and noise dynamics along the southeast coast of South Africa

Underwater noise has risen in certain parts of the world, driven by continued growth of maritime economic activity. In South Africa, increasing economic development threatens to elevate underwater noise levels in marine habitats, yet knowledge of marine soundscapes remains very l...