by Julie G. Hughes

Created on: August 25, 2008

Beaked Whales are a family (Ziphiidae) of Toothed Whales, currently grouped in six (6) genera, containing more than twenty (20) species. Many of the species have been discovered in the last two decades; some as recently as 2002.

CLASSIFICATION: [1]
Kingdom: Animalia Animals
Phylum: Chordata Chordates
Class: Mammalia Mammals
Order: Cetacea Marine Mammals
Suborder: Odontoceti Toothed Whales

Family: Ziphiidae Beaked Whales
Genus: Berardius Giant Beaked Whales (2 species)
Genus: Hyperoodon Bottlenose Whales (2 species)
Genus: Indopacetus Longman's Beaked Whale (1 species)
Genus: Mesoplodon Beaked Whales (14 species)
Genus: Tasmacetus Tasmanian Beaked Whales (1 species)
Genus: Ziphius Goose-beaked Whales (1 species)

Existing in all of the world's oceans, Ziphiids are medium-size whales that are believed to feed on the sea bottom and are known for deep extended dives. Examination of stranded animals indicates that all Beaked Whale species feed on squid, with some including fish in their diet. Social grouping is believed to be 3 to 40 individuals. Little else is known about most of these whales, because of the depths at which they live and their minimal contact with humans.

CONSERVATION STATUS:
Nineteen (19) species are listed on the 2007 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. However, fifteen (15) have a status of DD, or Data Deficient, meaning that while a species is known and may have been studied, there is not enough information to determine if their population is at risk or threatened.

The remaining four (4) Ziphiids (see below) have an IUCN status of LR/cd [2], although no threats are listed, with both genera included in CITES Appendix I [3].

Arnoux's Beaked Whale (Beradius arnuxii), also called the Southern Four-toothed Whale
Baird's Beaked Whale (Beradius bairdii), also called the Northern Four-toothed Whale

Bottlehead Whale (Hyperoodon ampullatus), also called the Northern Bottlenose Whale
Flatheaded Bottlenose Whale (Hyperoodon planifrons), also called the Southern Bottlenose Whale

An IUCN status of LR (Lower Risk) does not mean that a species' (taxon's) population is not at risk. It simply means that the most current available information indicates that the population does not meet the criteria to be considered Critically Endangered, Endangered, or Vulnerable. Conservation Dependent (/cd) is a further categorization / subcategory of species considered Lower Risk. These taxa are currently the focus of a species- or habitat-specific conservation program. It is believed that

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