Aim:The knowledge of a species biogeographical patterns greatly enhances our understanding of geographical ecology, which can improve identifying key conservation needs. Yet, this knowledge is still scarce for many marine top predators. Here, we aim to analyse movement patterns and spatial structuring of a large predator, the short-finned pilot whale Globicephala macrorhynchus, over a wide geographical area.Location: North-east Atlantic, in Macaronesian archipelagos (Azores, Madeira and Canaries) and Iberian Peninsula (Sagres). Methods:We used likelihood techniques to estimate residency times and transition probabilities and carried out social analysis from individual photographic

1. The geographic location and oceanographic, physical, and chemical water properties make the Canary Islands one of the planet's biodiversity hotspots. The short-finned pilot whale (Globicephala macrorhynchus) is one of the archipelago's most commonly encountered species and is potentially vulnerable to a range of anthropogenic pressures, including habitat degradation, acoustic pollution, fishing, whale-watching operations, and shipping. Assessment of impact has not been possible because of The authors declare they have no conflict of interest. ETHICAL APPROVALAll applicable international, national, and/or institutional guidelines for the care and use of animals were followed and all necessary approvals were obtained. The official research permission was given by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Environment. ORCIDAntonella Servidio https://orcid.org/

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