Beaked whales
Andrews’ beaked whale
See all species Andrews’ beaked whales are one of the many great mysteries of our oceans; never once having been seen alive in the wild. Information about Andrews’ beaked whales is sparse, with the little that we do know coming solely from 20 strandings in the southern hemisphere. Leaving behind them a trail of questions…
Read MoreGinkgo-toothed beaked whale
See all species The ginkgo-toothed beaked whale is named after the ginkgo tree. The tree is commonly found on the coastline in Japan near to where this beaked whale has predominantly been found. The shape of the male’s teeth are similar to the shape of the leaf. Other names: Japanese beaked whale Male Female Calf…
Read MoreHector’s beaked whale
See all species Although first described from stranded remains in 1866, there has only been one confirmed sighting of a Hector’s beaked whale in the wild. Other names: Skew-beaked whale, New Zealand beaked whale Male Female Calf Maximum length 4.3m 4.3m 2.0m Maximum weight Unknown 1,840kg Unknown IUCN conservation status: Data Deficient What do Hector’s…
Read MoreHubb’s beaked whale
See all species As the name suggests, Hubbs’ beaked whale was discovered by Carl Hubbs. Unfortunately, like other whales in this family, little is known about this mysterious lover of the deep. Other names: Arch-beaked whale Male Female Calf Maximum length 5.4m 5.4m 2.5m Maximum weight Unknown 1,500kg Unknown IUCN conservation status: Data Deficient What…
Read MoreArnoux’s beaked whale
See all species All that we know about these elusive beings comes down to a few details. Secretive whales gliding through the southern seas, they leave many a mystery in their wake. Other names: Southern four-toothed whale Male Female Calf Maximum length 9.3m 9.75m 4m Maximum weight Unknown Unknown Unknown IUCN conservation status: Least Concern…
Read MoreGervais’ beaked whale
See all species The first recorded specimen of Gervais’ beaked whale was found floating in the English Channel in 1840. Despite this, most of the information about the Gervais’ beaked whale has been gleaned from strandings and a handful of confirmed sightings at sea. Other names: Antillean beaked whale, European beaked whale, Gulf stream beaked…
Read MoreBlainville’s beaked whale
See all species With its steeply arched jaw, Blainville’s beaked whale is both striking and easily recognizable. Known for its unmistakable arch, Blainville’s beaked whale’s lower jaw curves sharply upwards. Especially striking, the male’s arch is topped with prominent tusks that point upwards past the upper jaw. Denser than elephant ivory, these distinctive features have…
Read MoreGray’s beaked whale
See all species Gray’s beaked whales are slightly better known than other beaked whales. There have been several live sightings of individuals and small groups in the wild. Many ‘beaked’ species have never been reliably sighted in the wild! Other names: Scamperdown whale, Southern beaked whale Male Female Calf Maximum length 5.7m 5.3m 2.1m Maximum weight…
Read MoreBaird’s beaked whale
See all species The largest of the beaked whales, Bairds beaked whales are natural socialites and accomplished divers, swimming to depths of up to 1,200 meters. Study around Bairds beaked whales has led to many questions surrounding their genetic link to other whales. For a long time, it was wondered whether they were in fact…
Read MoreNorthern bottlenose whale
See all species Naturally friendly and inquisitive, the gentle disposition of northern bottlenose whales has been mercilessly exploited by man. Targeted by whalers throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, over 65,000 northern bottlenose whales lost their lives. Choosing to stay by the sides of wounded companions, whales were easily picked off one by one. Why?…
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