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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/Si ngleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic =TSN&search_value=180493)

[2] ("IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: 1994 Categories & Criteria (version 2.3)" http://www.iucnredlist.org/inf o/categories_criteria1994#cate gories)

[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/a ppendices.shtml)

[4] ("Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora: The CITES Appendices" http://www.cites.org/eng/app/i ndex.shtml)

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