Isotope-based inferences of the trophic niche of short-finned pilot whales in the Webbnesia.

ABSTRACT

Knowledge of predator-prey interactions is key in ecological studies and understanding ecosystem function, yet this is still poorly explored in the deep-sea environment. Carbon (δ13C 13C/12C) and nitrogen (δ15N 15N/14N) stable isotope ratios of a deep-diving species, the short-finned pilot whale (Globicephala macrorhynchus), were used to explore knowledge gaps on its ecological niche and foraging habitats in the Webbnesia marine ecoregion (Tenerife Island, n = 27 animals vs. Madeira, n = 31; 500 km apart) where animals display distinct levels of site fidelity. Specifically, we tested whether intraspecific isotopic variation results from differences between geographic areas (due to possible foraging plasticity between regions), sexes, and/or years (2015-2020) using Generalized Linear Models. In general, significant differences (p < 0.05) were found in the stable isotope profiles of pilot whales between the two archipelagos, which were also reflected in their isotopic niche. The higher mean and wider range of δ15N values in Tenerife suggest that pilot whales consume prey of higher trophic levels and more diverse than Madeira. The higher mean and wider range of δ13C values in Madeira suggest that in that island, pilot whales rely on prey from more diverse habitats. There was significant variation between some years, but not between sexes. Finally, we discuss pilot whales' foraging strategies worldwide and infer the reliance on benthic or benthopelagic food sources in the Webbnesia.