Applying the Ecological Trap Concept to Cetaceans

ABSTRACT Wild animals may select poor‐quality habitats due to mismatches between perceived and actual habitat quality, creating ecological traps. Although well explored in terrestrial systems, this concept remains underutilized for marine species. However, human‐induced alterations in marine habitats may similarly expose marine fauna, including cetaceans, to ecological traps. We conducted a systematic review to (i) synthesize how the ecological trap concept has been applied to cetaceans, (ii) assess whether existing studies met the concept's defining criteria, and (iii) propose a roadmap for further research. Searches across three academic databases identified 301 peer‐reviewed articles, but only 11 explicitly used the ecological trap framework for cetaceans. These studies applied criteria developed in terrestrial research, using direct and indirect proxies of habitat preference and fitness. Most relied on direct proxy fitness assessments, providing stronger evidence of ecological traps. Our findings highlight the concept's limited use in cetacean research and emphasize the need for targeted field studies. Because ecological traps can lead to population declines, understanding their presence and effects is essential for conservation. We outline methods—including the adaptation of terrestrial approaches and emerging technologies—to improve detection and mitigation of ecological traps in marine systems, supporting more comprehensive analyses and effective biodiversity protection.