Pilot Whales: Globicephala melas and G. macrorhynchus

Abstract

Pilot whales are members of the Delphinidae family and two species are recognized: long-finned pilot whale (Globicephala melas) and short-finned pilot whale (G. macrorhynchus). Adults grow up to 6m in length, have round, bulbous heads, broad-based dorsal fins, and are generally black in color. The two species are exceedingly similar morphologically. Global in distribution, pilot whales occur in all oceans, from cold temperate waters to the tropics, in pelagic and nearshore environments. Their primary prey are squid. Pilot whales live in stable matrilineal pods, similar to the social structure of killer whales. A complex repertoire of sounds is used in foraging and social communication. Pilot whales are one of the most frequently reported species in strandings, but the reason behind this behavior is unknown. Remnant directed fisheries still harvest pilot whales and this is a controversial issue internationally. Pilot whales are also susceptible to contaminants, fishery bycatch, and anthropogenic noise. The IUCN lists both species as data deficient, but most populations of pilot whales are abundant and neither species is endangered.