These data are augmented by the investigation of within- and between-year movements of individuals identified through photo-identification and DNA profiles around mainland NZ. We present the first evidence for site fidelity to the mainland NZ calving ground, including two reproductive females that returned to calve around mainland NZ with 4 yr calving intervals. This is the first time sightings and recapture data for the mainland NZ wintering ground have been reported, and suggest the

occurrence of SRWs has moved beyond exploratory movements from a source population. This work builds on and extends previous work on population structure in this region (Baker et al. 1999, Alexander et al. 2008, Carroll et al. 2011). We also present the first comparison of the mainland NZ and NZ subantarctic photo-ID catalogs and update the http://www.selleckchem.com/products/azd9291.html comparison of the DNA profile catalogs between the two wintering grounds reported by Carroll et al. (2011).

Data on sightings of SRWs around mainland NZ between 2003 and 2010 were extracted from the NZ Department of Conservation’s marine mammal sighting database (Department of Conservation 2012). This time period was chosen as sightings data from 1976 to 2002 were previously analyzed by Patenaude (2003) Midostaurin ic50 and because 2003 coincided with the start of the Department of Conservation’s public awareness campaign. Sightings in the database were provided by NZ Department selleck chemicals of Conservation staff, researchers, and members of the public. Sightings data contained in the database include

details on date, location, group size, and group composition. It should be emphasized that the sighting data are strictly opportunistic and no data on search effort are available. Therefore no attempt has been made to investigate the temporal or spatial variations in sighting rates. To ensure correct species identification, only sightings accompanied by biopsy samples or photographic images clearly identifiable as SRWs were considered for analysis. An individual was classified as a calf if it was less than half the length of an accompanying large whale, or was evidently a small whale (<8 m) with poorly developed callosities. The individual consistently closest to the calf was assumed to be its mother. All other individuals were classified as noncalf whales. Independent sightings from the same day were considered duplicates if confirmed by photo-ID or DNA profile data (see below), or if they occurred within a distance that could realistically have been travelled in the elapsed time between sightings. Duplicate sightings were excluded from the analysis. This method results in the possibility of the same individual or group constituting two sightings if they were sighted on different days. We chose to retain these between-day sightings as they provide information about residency time around mainland NZ, as well as the number of whales present.