First records of dwarf sperm whale (Kogia sima) from the Union of the Comoros. Issue 1 (December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bonato, Marco; Webber, Marc; Attoumane, Artadji; Giacoma, Cristina
• Is Part Of: Marine biodiversity records. Volume 9:Issue 1(2016)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 5
• Publication Date: 2016-12
• Subjects: Dwarf sperm whale -- Kogia sima -- Union of the Comoros -- Mozambique channel -- Indian ocean; Marine biodiversity -- Periodicals; Marine biology -- Periodicals; 578.77
• DOI: 10.1186/s41200-016-0064-z
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1755-2672

Abstract

Abstract The world distribution of dwarf and pygmy sperm whales (Cetacea: Kogiidae) [Kogia spp.] is poorly known, and derived mostly from records of stranded animals. At sea, both species are elusive and difficult to identify. We photo-documented the presence of dwarf sperm whale (Kogia sima) in the waters of the Union of the Comoros. All three occurrences were sightings of apparently healthy animals from 2011 to 2013 in and near Itsandra Bay, off the island of Grande Comore. We discuss the importance of the Mozambique Channel and the Agulhas Current Large Marine Ecosystem for the species in the Western Indian Ocean.