Foraging data to model energy acquisition and requirements of sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) to understand energy-mediated responses to changes in prey structure

Information on foraging behaviour is critical for modelling estimations of energy acquisition and requirements of top predators and consequently to predict how animals will be affected and respond to changes in marine ecosystems. We compiled estimates of prey capture attempt rates per hour of 11 female sperm whales, tagged using high-resolution multi-sensor tags (DTAGs, Johnson & Tyack, 2003; Oliveira et al. (2022) for detailed information about the tags and tagging procedures) in the Azores region between 2018 and 2020. These estimates were used in a bioenergetic model to estimate minimum foraging success rate (FSR), i.e., the lowest possible prey capture rate for individuals obtain the minimum energy intake needed to meet daily metabolic requirements (Silva et al., 2024). The model was based on whales' theoretical energetic requirements using foraging and prey characteristics from animal-borne tags and stomach contents, respectively. The present dataset consists of individual identification, location, date of tagging, latitude, longitude, maximum depth water and prey capture attempt rate (rPCA as the number of buzzes) per hour.