남방큰돌고래의 분포와 적합서식처를 결정하는 환경적 요인 분석

Abstract

The Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin population in Jeju waters is resident in the region and its size is estimated to 100-110 individuals. To conserve this endangered species, the urgent challenge is to understand their habitat range and habitat preference well enough to maintain this population in the face of the pressures resulting from environmental changes. The aim of this study is to use species distribution models to investigate the distribution of Tursiops aduncus and the effectsof environmental variables on the habitat suitability of this species. We compiled interannual dataset (2004-2016) comprised of annual cetacean sighting data from Cetacean Research Institute and from Jeju University. We selected environmental variables such as mean SST, salinity, pH and water depth which are likely to be primary drivers for dolphin distribution and these were obtained from Bio-Oracle global environmental data packages (5 arcmin) and the General Bathymetric Chart of the Oceans (GEBCO) dataset. The result indicated that the distribution of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin was influenced by water depth and the area of northern part of Jeju coast waters was predicted to be a highly suitable habitat.itat preference well enough to maintain this population in the face of the pressures resulting from environmental changes. The aim of this study is to use species distribution models to investigate the distribution of Tursiops aduncus and the effectsof environmental variables on the habitat suitability of this species. We compiled interannual dataset (2004-2016) comprised of annual cetacean sighting data from Cetacean Research Institute and from Jeju University. We selected environmental variables such as mean SST, salinity, pH and water depth which are likely to be primary drivers for dolphin distribution and these were obtained from Bio-Oracle global environmental data packages (5 arcmin) and the General Bathymetric Chart of the Oceans (GEBCO) dataset. The result indicated that the distribution of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin was influenced by water depth and the area of northern part of Jeju coast waters was predicted to be a highly suitable habitat.