Acute and chronic behavioral effects of kelp gull micropredation on southern right whale mother-calf pairs off Península Valdés, Argentina

Kelp gull micropredation significantly increases respiration rates and alters behavior in southern right whale mother-calf pairs off Península Valdés, Argentina. Even without attacks, whales exhibit ~50% higher respiration rates than undisturbed controls, with calves showing ~25% increases. During attacks, calf respiration spikes an additional 10%, while mothers frequently adopt irregular breathing postures, potentially increasing energy expenditure. Gulls also target previously wounded calves more often. These acute and chronic behavioral changes may have long-term energetic consequences for whale survival and reproduction.

Azizeh, T., Sprogis, K., Soley, R., Nielsen, M., Uhart, M., Sironi, M., Marón, C., Bejder, L., Madsen, P., & Christiansen, F. (2021). Acute and chronic behavioral effects of kelp gull micropredation on southern right whale mother-calf pairs off Península Valdés, Argentina. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 668, 133–148. https://doi.org/10.3354/meps13716