4. Land-Based Station Studies of Aquatic Mammals in Latin America: Understanding Behavior for Conservation

Behavioral studies are the key to understand animals and to build up the knowledge of their ecology playing a key role in investigating consequences of anthropogenic activities. Land-based station (LBS) enables broad view of animals in their habitat, not interfering in their natural behavior. This chapter presents an overview of LBS research comprehensiveness, limitations, methodologies and equipment, guiding readers to the main literature in the field. In Latin America LBS studies have been identified in 11 countries: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela. At least 27 species of aquatic mammals have been studied from land, comprising six Mysticetes, 18 Odontocetes, two Pinnipeds and a Sirenian. LBS research enhanced the knowledge of several species behavior, movement patterns, distribution, and habitat use. They have provided valuable support to conservation measures and coastal management in Latin America countries. Because of their relative low cost, simple logistics and diverse possibilities, LBS studies should be encouraged in all areas where aquatic mammals are present and observations from land are feasible.