Cetacean Stranding Response Program and Spatial-Temporal Analysis in Taiwan, 1994-2018.

Area of Science:

• Marine Biology
• Conservation Science
• Wildlife Management

Background:

• Taiwan's national cetacean stranding response program has operated for over three decades.
• The program has evolved, with shifts in coordination from National Taiwan University to the Taiwan Cetacean Society and local governments.
• A comprehensive database documents cetacean strandings from 1994 to 2018.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze cetacean stranding patterns and diversity in Taiwan.
• To identify trends in stranding rates, seasonality, and geographic distribution.
• To inform future conservation strategies for cetaceans in the western Pacific.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of a 25-year stranding database (1994-2018) covering 1320 events and 1698 animals.
• Documentation of species involved, stranding frequency, seasonality, and geographic distribution.
• Review of live stranding rescue and rehabilitation efforts.

Main Results:

• Over 27 cetacean species have stranded, with finless porpoises, bottlenose dolphins, Kogia spp., and Risso's dolphins being most common.
• Stranding rates increased significantly over time, with higher rates during the northeastern monsoon (October-April).
• Northern Taiwan experienced more frequent strandings, while mass strandings, particularly of pygmy killer whales, concentrated in the southwest during the northeastern monsoon.

Conclusions:

• Cetacean stranding patterns in Taiwan exhibit distinct annual, seasonal, and geographic variations.
• The data highlights the importance of the northeastern monsoon season and specific coastal areas for stranding events.
• Understanding these patterns is crucial for developing effective conservation and response strategies for Taiwan's cetacean populations.