Longman's Beaked Whales

9/21/2014

Longman's Beaked Whales

By Ron Leidich & Jene Persinger

   The Longman’s Beaked Whale is a member of an elusive family of toothed whales (Odontoceti) known as Ziphiidae. There may be 20 or more species within this enigmatic family though their shy nature and deep diving habits make them difficult to observe or photograph.

   The Longman’s Beaked Whale has been known from only two strandings; one off of the Coast of East Africa, the other in Australia. Marine Biologists have never seen the animal alive… until now. On May 30, 2014 Biologist Ron Leidich, Professor Ron Crombie, Boat Driver Jake Oiterong, and 9 year old Calvin Idek Leidich were returning to Koror after a successful Geology Field Trip to the Island of Angaur. The seas were flat calm, so the group departed with the intention of searching for dolphins and whales along the way. Shortly after arriving off of the Southern Island of Peleliu an unusual silhouette was spotted in the distances sporting a small dorsal fin. Slowing the boat, Jake eased closer while Ron raced to the bow with a telephoto lens. The unusual cetacean broke the surface on three occasions, each time exposing its bottlenose-like rostrum.

   Only a handful of Beaked Whale species reside in temperate waters. The rostrum shape eliminated the possibility of either Blainville’s or Cuvier’s Beaked Whales. International experts later confirmed Ron’s suspicions: These were the first photographs of a living Longman’s Beaked Whale (Indopacetus pacificus) alive!

    The Longman’s Beaked Whale has since been seen on two subsequent adventures. On August 9, Ron Leidich was photographing a pod of Spotted Dolphins when boat drivers Jake Oiterong and J-5 Obak spotted larger Cetaceans in the distance. The boat was eased in towards a suspected pod of Pilot Whales. As we approached, it became obvious that the 25-30’ whales were too large to be any of the “Blackfish.” Photos and video confirmed their identity as the Longman’s Beaked Whale. This was the first observation of 3 individuals traveling together, one of which was significantly larger and bearing a back full of scars (likely earned in fights with rival males).

   This brings up exciting possibilities: Could Palau be home to a resident population of Beaked Whales? Do our waters support the seasonal gatherings of mating pods? Is this species more common than previously expected? Future encounters will be enhanced with the use of kayaks and a hydrophone. The acoustic noise of the speed boat has obviously disturbed these shy leviathans, and our goal is of course, a harmonious interaction with these intriguing creatures.