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Short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) are distributed in all oceans (...here...). Recent research results have shown surprising life patterns for this relatively unknown cetacean species. First conclusions indicate that they form stable matrilinear kinship groups (...here...) and supposingly use call dialects (...here...). During 20 minute long and more than 1,000m deep dives (...here...) they apparantly search and hunt for giant squids (...here...) with a -for an aquatic mammal- unique hunting strategy . In the focus of hundreds of thousands of whale watchers per year (...here...), short-finned pilot whales represent an exciting dolphin species. pilot-whales.org wants to provide a vivid picture of this species and uses original acoustic (...here...) and visual (...here...) research recordings. Furthermore, pilot-whales.org provides scientific guidance on several biological life aspects of this species.
Like most cetacean species, short-finned pilot whales use diverse acoustic signal repertoires in order to communicate with conspecifics (...here...), to navigate, to explore and to search for prey (...here...). During encounters with human swimmers, pilot whales emit echolocation clicks and direct them to their novel and unusual counterparts (...here...). Their sophisticated acoustic communication system is susceptible to underwater noise disturbance. Especially in the context of boat-based whale watching, acoustic signals can be potentially masked by engine and propeller noise (...here...).
Short-finned pilot whales have distinctive markings and can be individually photo-identified (...here...). Researchers have globally used this technique to study the pilot whale social structure by analysing indivual association patterns (...here...). They found that short-finned pilot whales form stable social groupings, and further evidence (...here...) suggests that they live in matrilinear kinship groups. Within these they show a variety of acoustic (...here...) and non-acoustic (...here...) communication behaviors. Presumably they use call dialects (...here...) for the behavioral synchronization among group members.
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Inter-island call matching
Unsual foraging tactics
Percussive sounds recorded
Unusual vocalizations
Pilot whale videos
Pilot whale sounds
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