Abstract
Background
Because of their usually cryptic behaviour, most knowledge on the biology of beaked whales are from records of stranded animals. Although the Cuvier’s beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris) is the best known species of the ziphiidae family, little information on its reproduction is available.
Results
Here we report on the stranding of a dead pregnant female with clear signs of anthropogenic impact, including the presence of a fishing artefact in the stomach.
Conclusions
The region of the stranding (north-eastern coast of Brazil) is an area of increasing interest for oil and gas exploitation. Conservation concerns may arise from findings such as the one presented and discussed here.
Because of their usually cryptic behaviour, most knowledge on the biology of beaked whales are from records of stranded animals. Although the Cuvier’s beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris) is the best known species of the ziphiidae family, little information on its reproduction is available.
Results
Here we report on the stranding of a dead pregnant female with clear signs of anthropogenic impact, including the presence of a fishing artefact in the stomach.
Conclusions
The region of the stranding (north-eastern coast of Brazil) is an area of increasing interest for oil and gas exploitation. Conservation concerns may arise from findings such as the one presented and discussed here.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | 30 |
| Number of pages | 5 |
| Journal | Marine Biodiversity Records |
| Volume | 9 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 13 Jun 2016 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Brazil
- Cetacean
- Marine debris
- Reproduction
- Toothed whale
- Ziphiidae