ABSTRACT
The spatial distribution of a shark species will be influenced by how swimming behaviour affects rates of key movements, such as search strategies and encounter rates with prey, the location of mates and timing of courtship, and occupation times in preferred habitats. This chapter introduces new approach for analysing, interpreting and thinking about the movement and behaviour patterns of free-ranging sharks. It describes what typical generalised movement patterns of free-ranging sharks have been recorded using electronic tags, and how this new technology has revolutionised shark behavioural ecology. The chapter identifies how movement types may be closely linked to habitat types and why, and how foraging and behavioural trade-off models have been used to test habitat selection processes in sharks. It provides some perspectives for better understanding the behaviour patterns of wild sharks. The application of cutting edge tracking and datalogging technology, together with movement analysis and simulation modelling has pointed to potential mechanisms underlying the complex patterns of shark behaviour.
