Abstract
Definite records of five Sperm Whales Physeter catodon (Liinaeus), 58 Spinner Dolphins Stenella longirostris (Gray) and 12 Bottlenose Dolphins Tursiops truncatus (Montagu) in the Arabian Sea, encountered during Ela Foundation’s Pelagic Birds Survey and ornithological expedition to Lakshadweep Archipelago from 12 to 16 March 2006, are presented along with notes on behaviour, key identification features, four photographs and the conservation status of each species.
Highlights
A) Sperm Whale Physeter catodon (Linnaeus) Family: Physeteridae Species: Physeter catodon (Linnaeus) = Physeter macrocephalus Linnaeus
Small eyes, shriveled brownish body with prune-like wrinkles, triangular hump on the back, blowhole situated on the left side on the head and habit of partial breaching helped in identifying the species
The whales were seen partially breaching every few minutes for a total observed period of about ten minutes
Summary
The whales were seen partially breaching every few minutes for a total observed period of about ten minutes. The entire body was never seen above water surface. The approximate length of two whales could be estimated since they briefly swam parallel to our ship with head and flipper seen intermittently, enabling us to judge their entire body length, when a comparative estimate was made.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call