What kind of dolphin is the pygmy killer whale?

The pygmy killer whale is a species of dolphin belonging to the genus Feresa.

As their name suggests, they resemble a smaller version of an orca. In English, they are called 'pygmy killer whales.' The word 'pygmy' means 'dwarf,' referring to their small size compared to orcas. They have a dark gray to black body, with a white patch on the leading edge of their pectoral fins. Their dorsal fin is falcate (curved) and set high on their backs, similar to that of an orca. They are highly social animals that live in pods of 10 to 50 individuals. They are shy and often avoid humans, making them a difficult species to study. Their ecology remains largely a mystery.

What do pygmy killer whales eat?

Pygmy killer whales are carnivores and primarily eat squid.

They are excellent hunters that dive deep into the ocean to catch squid. They also eat fish and crustaceans. They have sharp teeth and powerful jaws that can easily crush the bones of fish. They also have excellent hearing, allowing them to detect the sounds of prey from far away.

[Quiz!] Why do pygmy killer whales mass strand?

Stranding is when whales or dolphins swim into shallow water and become unable to return to the sea on their own. When this happens to multiple individuals at the same time, it is called a 'mass stranding.' Pygmy killer whales are known for their mass strandings.

The reasons for these mass strandings are not yet fully understood, but there are a few theories:

・Malfunction of echolocation: Pygmy killer whales use echolocation to navigate, but in shallow water, sound waves don't reflect well, which may cause them to accidentally swim into shallows.

・Following the leader: Pygmy killer whales have a tendency to follow their leader when traveling in a pod. If the leader mistakenly swims into shallow water, the rest of the pod may follow, leading to a mass stranding.

・Illness or injury: Individuals that are sick or injured may become disoriented and stray into shallow water, leading to stranding.

・Geomagnetic anomalies: They may lose their sense of direction in areas where the Earth's magnetic field is disrupted, causing them to strand.

・Panic: Loud noises from ships or earthquakes can cause them to panic and flee into shallow water, leading to a stranding.

Mass stranding is a serious issue for dolphins and whales, and can be fatal. Stranded animals need to be rescued immediately. Returning them to the sea requires the effort of many people and heavy machinery. Stranded animals are often weak and require treatment by veterinarians. It is important for us to think about what we can do to prevent mass strandings of dolphins and whales.

[Quiz!] Are pygmy killer whales endangered?

The pygmy killer whale is listed as 'Data Deficient' on the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List.

This means there is not enough information about their population and ecology to determine their conservation status. However, it is suspected that their numbers are declining due to marine pollution, bycatch from fisheries, and collisions with ships. To protect pygmy killer whales, we need to protect the marine environment and learn more about them.