Logo image
Back
Environmental factors drive differences in activity between sexes of a large marine predator
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Environmental factors drive differences in activity between sexes of a large marine predator

Adrienne Gooden, Brendan Kelaher, Yuri Niella and Paul A. Butcher
The Science of the total environment, Vol.980, pp.1-9
10/06/2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.179436
PMID: 40300493
Appears in  Recent Faculty of Science and Engineering Publications

Metrics

32 Record Views

Abstract

Acceleration Acoustic tracking Activity Behaviour Carcharodon carcharias Environmental factors Sexual differences Sharks
Fluctuations in environmental conditions can induce changes in animal behaviour, influence annual migrations for food or reproduction, and alter physiology. Additionally daily shifts in behaviour in response to short-term environmental change can vary across different spatial and temporal scales. Traditional acoustic tracking methods typically quantify the geographical movements of animals, without considering the changes in activity that can occur spatially, temporally, and in response to environmental conditions. We quantified spatial, temporal, and environmental factors that drive the acceleration of a top marine predator in a near-shore environment. We deployed acoustic activity tags on 504 white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) between 2020 and 2023 in New South Wales, Australia. Generalised Additive Mixed Models were then used to assess the influence of spatial, temporal, and environmental factors on shark activity levels. Considerable individual variation was observed in both male and female sharks while male sharks exhibit higher acceleration than females. Male white sharks demonstrated higher acceleration equatorward of 33°S between 1000 and 1500 h, while female sharks exhibited higher acceleration levels poleward of 33°S between 0900 and 1300 h, and 2100 and 0200 h. This research highlights the importance of moving beyond traditional acoustic tracking studies to explore the complex interplay of factors influencing animal behaviour and movement. Our findings will inform non-lethal shark management programs to better protect water users, helping reduce the risk of negative human-shark interactions.

Details

Logo image