Maximum entropy model: Estimating the relative suitability of cetacean habitat in the northern Savu Sea, Indonesia

An understanding of cetacean distribution is necessary to gain insights into crucial ecological processes for species conservation management. However, cetacean habitat preference and distribution in the northern Savu Sea, Indonesia, are still poorly understood. We use maximum entropy modeling with five environmental predictors to describe habitat preference and distribution of seven cetacean species in the northern Savu Sea. Our study confirms that static predictors are the most important variables in explaining habitat preferences of seven cetacean species in the northern Savu Sea. Seasonally, each cetacean species has a different environmental preference.Globicephala macrorhynchusprefers the open nearshore areas adjacent to deep waters.Stenella attenuatais associated with nearshore habitats and higher productivity areas.Stenella longirostrisprefers nearshore habitat during coastal upwelling events.Tursiops truncatusprefers nearshore sheltered habitat.Grampus griseushabitats are highly related to depth and steep gradients around the isobaths of 200-1,000 m.Feresa attenuataare associated with deep waters and cooler sea temperature.Pseudorca crassidensprefers protective bays with productive waters. This study provides important information for reviewing marine spatial plans of the northern Savu Sea, specifically on managing species fisheries interaction, optimizing surveillance, and regulating marine traffic.

Automated summary

This study used maximum entropy modeling to examine habitat preference and distribution of seven cetacean species in the northern Savu Sea, revealing that static predictors are key variables in explaining cetacean habitat preferences in the region. Each cetacean species shows different environmental preferences seasonally, highlighting the importance of considering these factors for conservation management and marine spatial planning.