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 discontinuation of the related program would cause the taxon to qualify for a threatened status within five years.
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) Appendix I lists species that are considered the most endangered among listed animals and plants. These taxa are threatened with extinction and CITES prohibits international trade in specimens of these species except when the purpose of the import is not commercial, for instance for scientific research. [4] As more information becomes available through study and research, it is possible that this listing will change.
Habitat Threats:
Work by groups such as the Center for Cetacean Research & Conservation, is broadening the understanding of the Beaked Whale. It is believed that these cetaceans rely on isolated underwater habitats, rather than simply roaming the sea bottom. Research is beginning to show that identification and protection of these deep sea canyons, gullies, and walls, such as "the Gully" off the coast of Nova Scotia, may be critical to the survival of Ziphiids.
Noise Pollution:
Due to their physiology and deep diving, Beaked Whales are more susceptible to harm from excessive noise, such as ice-breaking, and military sonar, than other cetaceans. In March 2000, thirteen (13) Ziphiids were stranded in the northern Bahamas. Researchers collected and necropsied the whales. CAT scans of several Beaked Whale heads showed unmistakable evidence of acoustic trauma. Additional investigation found that a naval battle group had been operating sonars while traveling through the area during the same time period.
The NOAA Fisheries Office of Protected Resources is investigating acoustic communication and the affects of sound on behavior. Their Ocean Acoustics Program is working with experts to develop criteria and guidelines, as well as developing a global acoustic noise monitoring network.
[1] ("ITIS Standard Report Page: Ziphiidae" http://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?sear ch_topic=TSN&search_value=180493)
[2] ("IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: 1994 Categories & Criteria (version 2.3)" http://www.iucnredlist.org/info/categories_criteria1 994#categories)
[3] ("Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora: Appendices I, II and III - Valid from July 1, 2008" http://www.cites.org/eng/app/appendices.shtml)
[4] ("Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora: The CITES Appendices" http://www.cites.org/eng/app/index.shtml)