Three mass strandings of sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) in southern Australian waters
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-16, 13:53authored byEvans, K, Morrice, MG, Mark HindellMark Hindell, Thiele, D
One hundred and fifteen sperm whales (97 female, 15 male, 3 unknown sex) were involved in three mass stranding events during the month of February 1998 along the west and northwest coastlines of Tasmania, Australia. Sixty-six of these whales stranded at Ocean Beach, Strahan; 35 at Greens Beach, Marrawah; and 11 at Black River Beach, Stanley. The remaining whales stranded singly along the coastline. Three mass strandings of this species in such close temporal proximity have not been reported in this area before, and this is the first time that data have been comprehensively collected from complete or near-complete groups of sperm whales from Tasmanian waters. Adult females dominated the three stranding groups. Total lengths ranged from 417 to 1,200 cm and ages ranged from 0.75 to 64 yr. Four females were lactating and four fetuses were found amongst the groups. Stomach contents were dominated by pelagic cephalopods.
History
Publication title
Marine Mammal Science
Volume
18
Pagination
622-643
ISSN
0824-0469
Department/School
Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies
Publisher
Society of Marine Mammalogy
Place of publication
USA
Repository Status
Restricted
Socio-economic Objectives
Assessment and management of coastal and estuarine ecosystems