Abstract: International audience ; ContextStrandings are an important source of information for estimating marine mammal biodiversity, particularly in data-sparse ocean basins such as Oceania.AimsHere, we report on knowledge acquired from 218 stranding events recorded in the waters of New Caledonia (1877–2022).MethodsWe investigated spatio-temporal distribution, stable isotope signatures, trace element concentrations, biometry measurements, genetic diversity, and diet, for the four most commonly stranded taxa (dugongs, 35% of events; sperm whales, 19%; Delphinidae, 18%; pygmy and dwarf sperm whales, 14%).Key resultsBeginning in 1991, reports of stranding events increased (183 events, 322 individuals, 20 species from seven families: Dugongidae, Physeteridae, Delphinidae, Kogiidae, Ziphiidae, Balaenopteridae, Otariidae), with hotspots identified on the west coast (Bourail, Ouano, Nouméa) and in Prony Bay. Causes of death were not determined in 84% of stranding events, but were identified in the majority of expert-led necropsies (24 of 29 individuals from 10 species). Yet, valuable information regarding the impact of anthropogenic activities was gathered for some species of concern, such as the endangered dugong (28% human-caused). Since 2016, training and outreach have been provided to rangers, veterinarians, and various public safety officers to support their engagement in the scientific monitoring of marine mammal strandings. A website (www.rescue.ird.nc) was developed to facilitate standardised data collection and storage, and to provide public access to stranding records.ConclusionAlthough the number of individuals reported here remains modest, this study provides new information on poorly documented species in New Caledonia.ImplicationsLong-term monitoring of strandings can help design effective conservation measures. ; ContexteLes échouages constituent une source d’informations importante pour estimer la biodiversité des mammifères marins, en particulier dans les bassins océaniques pour lesquels les données sont ...
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