Abstract
BackgroundThe cetacean fauna of the poorly-studied waters off eastern Africa is still being described. Information on the cetacean species occurring in specific range states is important for understanding their geographical distribution ranges and for implementing national and international conservation and management measures. This report presents the first authenticated record of the Pygmy killer whale in Mozambican waters and the first record on the eastern coast of southern Africa since 1970.MethodsAs a part of regular informal surveys for birds and other marine life from Maputo, Mozambique, three Pygmy killer whales were seen, approached and photographed north of Inhaca Island (25°52′54.22″S 33° 8′33.62″E), on 23 April 2017.ResultsThe animals were seen interacting on the surface for 35 min, travelling at ca. 1 km/h along the shelf edge in water 235 m deep. All three animals had been overlooked by the authors earlier in the day, misidentified as Spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris).ConclusionThis is the first authenticated record of Pygmy killer whale in Mozambican waters and the first recent record on the eastern coast of southern Africa since 1970, emphasising the lack of knowledge of offshore marine biodiversity in Mozambique. Previous reported records of the species in Mozambique lie outside Mozambique Exclusive Economic Zones or lack evidence. The species should be included in relevant conservation planning.Available identification material focusses on the separation of this species from Melon-headed whale (Peponocephala electra) and fails to note the great similarities of this species with smaller dolphins. At-sea observers are encouraged to consider this species when identifying ‘dolphins’. Pygmy killer whales are easily overlooked.
Highlights
The cetacean fauna of the poorly-studied waters off eastern Africa is still being described
On 23 April 2017 the route plan was to depart at 05.30 am Central Africa Time (CAT) steam quickly to the north of Inhaca Island, head more slowly eastwards out into deeper waters looking for birds and other wildlife, chum for seabirds and head southward along the 400 m depth contour before returning back to Maputo later in the day
At 06.40 am CAT whilst steaming outbound northwards GA spotted two or more small cetaceans logging on the surface at least c1.5 km distant eastwards from the planned route
Summary
The cetacean fauna of the poorly-studied waters off eastern Africa is still being described. Information on the cetacean species occurring in specific range states is important for understanding their geographical distribution ranges and for implementing national and international conservation and management measures. This report presents the first authenticated record of the Pygmy killer whale in Mozambican waters and the first record on the eastern coast of southern Africa since 1970. The biodiversity of the national marine Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) of eastern southern Africa is generally poorly known and documented, especially in offshore areas, mostly due to the logistical and financial challenges of working in the region as well as the lack of local scientists. National conservation legislations apply to EEZs and rely on an understanding of the species occurring therein for policy implementation. Many cetaceans are highly-mobile and may travel across multiple range
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