Depending on how commercial their environment is there is a possibility of being struck by passing boats. In the Southern Hemisphere, dwarf sperm whales live in the waters around Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Chile, southern Brazil, and South Africa. Attacks from killer whales however may be less common in certain areas as some killer whale populations (depending on where they live) may stick to a diet that consists almost exclusively of fish and other small prey. The dwarf sperm whale is a toothed whale named after the waxy substance, spermaceti, found in its head. The dwarf sperm whale may have anywhere from 16 – 24 teeth on its lower jaw and up to 6 teeth on the upper jaw. Each individual whale’s dorsal fin is a slightly different shape. Dwarf sperm whales can dive at least 1,000 feet deep in search of food. A light « false gill » crescent mark may be... LIFE HISTORY. NOAA Fisheries is investigating all aspects of acoustic communication and hearing in marine animals, as well as the effects of sound on whale behavior and hearing. Like its giant relative, the sperm whale, the pygmy sperm whale has a spermaceti organ in its forehead (see sperm whale for a discussion of its purpose). The dwarf sperm whale is a toothed whale named after the waxy substance, spermaceti, found in its head. This is a video taken in the Sea of Cortez, Baja California, 24"34.4410'N x 110"20.7989'W, of rare Dwarf Sperm Whales on the surface. ! They will slowly sink and disappear from view without showing their flukes before diving back into the water. Unfortunately not much is understood about the breeding habits of the dwarf sperm whale. The center of its body is stocky but tapers down the closer you get the tail and flukes. Like bats, and other toothed whales, dwarf sperm whales use echolocation to locate prey, meaning they use sound to navigate and "see" the world around them. Slowly distance your vessel from the whale. They do so by producing sounds from their melons (or foreheads) that reflect off of the objects around them. In our work we've encountered dwarf sperm whales 84 times between 2002 and 2017, while we've seen pygmy sperm Dwarf sperm whales are usually seen either alone or in small groups of 16 or fewer individuals. Such NBHF clicks, subject to high levels of acoustic absorption, are usually produced by small, shallow-diving odontocetes, such as porpoises, in keeping with their short-range echolocation and fast click rates. Dwarf sperm whales (Kogia sima) (pictured above) and pygmy sperm whales (kogia breviceps) are the only two species that belong to the Dogiidae family (also known as small sperm whales). NOAA Fisheries estimates population size in its stock assessment reports. NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION, Report a Stranded or Injured Marine Animal, Learn more about our conservation efforts, Incidental Take Authorization: NOAA Southwest Fisheries Science Center Fisheries and Ecosystem Research Activities in the California Current and, LOA- Antarctic Marine Living Resources Ecosystem (pdf, 7 pages), LOA- California Current Ecosystem (pdf, 10 pages), Environmental Assessment (pdf, 307 pages), Environmental Assessment Appendices (pdf, 77 pages), Environmental Assessment Adoption Memo (pdf, 5 pages), Biological Opinion (pdf, 235 pages, use Internet Explorer to open), Incidental Take Authorization: Scripps Institute of Oceanography Low-Energy Geophysical Survey in the South Atlantic Ocean, Incidental Take Authorization: Low-Energy Geophysical Survey in the Southwest Atlantic Ocean, Incidental Take Authorization: U.S. Navy Northwest Training and Testing (NWTT) (2020), Notification and Reporting Plan (pdf, 4 pages), Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (External Link), Environmental Impact Statement (External Link), References- Proposed Rule (pdf, 32 pages), autonomous gliders and passive acoustic arrays. Recommending alternative shipping routes and areas to avoid. In the United States, dwarf sperm whales live in the waters of Hawaiʻi, the Pacific Northwest and California, the western North Atlantic, and the northern Gulf of Mexico. Pygmy and Dwarf Sperm Whales Only Members of Family Kogiidae Dwarf sperm whales (Kogia sima) and pygmy sperm whales (Kogia breviceps) are the only two members of the Family Kogiidae.It is often reported that the two species are difficult to tell apart in the field, but there are a number of characteristics that allow us to discriminate between the two species. Determining the size of dwarf sperm whale populations helps resource managers determine the success of conservation measures. The whale can release more than 3 gallons of dark, reddish-brown liquid—or ink—from this sac. Dwarf sperm whales can live up to 22 years. Kogia . Clicks of dwarf or pygmy sperm whale (currently unable to distinguish acoustically) What is a spectrogram? In the wild, it is very difficult to distinguish between them because they have similar appearances and geographic ranges. Dwarf sperm whales, like all marine mammals, are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. They have a bluish gray coloring with a lighter colored under body. The whale may expel this fluid when frightened, perhaps to confuse and disorient predators. They may be more common off the southeastern coast, as more strandings have happened in this area. Dwarf sperm whales are smaller than the other Kogia species. Dwarf sperm whales can sometimes be confused with pygmy sperm whales, their closest relative. Accidental vessel strikes can injure or kill dwarf sperm whales. Vessel strikes, This liquid creates a dark cloud in the water to help protect the whales when they feel threatened or when they are trying to escape predators. EMBED (for wordpress.com hosted blogs and archive.org item tags) Want more? Some strandings can serve as indicators of ocean health, giving insight into larger environmental issues that may also have implications for human health and welfare. For the best experience, please use a modern browser such as Chrome, Firefox, or Edge. These groups can vary based on age and sex, but little else is known about their social organization. As stated previously when fully grown the dwarf sperm whale measures in at around 9 ft. long and weighs an average of 400 lbs. The other two are the sperm whale (which happens to be the largest animal in the toothed whale family) and the pygmy sperm whale. There are 7-12 pairs of extremely sharp, fang-like teeth in the lower jaw; sometimes up to three pairs of teeth are present in the upper jaw as well. The dwarf sperm whales coastal nature may also help protect them from larger animals that live further out to sea. In terms of lifespan it is currently believed that these whales only live until their mid 20’s. Dwarf sperm whales are vulnerable to vessel strikes throughout their range, but the risk is higher in some areas with heavy ship traffic. Dwarf sperm whales have a small, compact body with a small dorsal fin located near the middle of their back. By comparing numbers collected over multiple years, scientists can look for trends—i.e., whether the population is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable during a given period. [http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/acoustics/guidelines.htmlink to web page on the technical guidance]. Unfortunately no solid information exists regarding possible natural threats that the dwarf sperm whales may face, however it is possible that these marine mammals may be attacked by killer whale or sharks inhibiting their local environment as both of these animals are known to hunt and kill other whale species. Dwarf sperm whales have a brown to blue-gray colored back. Advocating for voluntary speed reductions in Dynamic Management Areas. Increasing evidence suggests that exposure to intense underwater sound in some settings may cause some whales to strand and ultimately die. Some stranded dwarf sperm whales have been found with plastic and other garbage blocking their stomach. Debris in the deep scattering layer where dwarf sperm whales feed could be mistaken for prey and incidentally ingested, leading to possible injury or death. EMBED. The dwarf sperm whale, like the pygmy sperm whale, is known mostly from strandings. It also has a sac in its intestines that contains a dark red fluid. Developing mandatory vessel reporting systems. Other names: Owen's pygmy sperm whale. "It's a Dwarf Sperm Whale (Kogia simus), the worlds smallest true whale. Other research focuses on the acoustic environment of cetaceans, including dwarf sperm whales. The dwarf sperm whale is a toothed whale that belongs to the cetacean species which includes all species of whale, dolphin and porpoise. It would be after the first of the year (2019). NOAA Fisheries and its partners are working to conserve dwarf sperm whales and further our understanding of this species through research and conservation activities. Dwarf sperm whales live in temperate and tropical seas around the world. Like its other family members this whale has a spermaceti organ in its head, which is how this whale was given its name. Pygmy sperm whales can sometimes be confused with dwarf sperm whales, their closest relative. Like many marine animals, dwarf sperm whales can ingest marine debris. Never approach or try to save an injured or entangled animal yourself—it can be dangerous to both the animal and you. Learn more about our marine life viewing guidelines >. Entanglement in fishing gear, The dwarf sperm whale appears very similar to the pygmy sperm whale. Once entangled, they may swim for long distances dragging attached gear, potentially resulting in fatigue, compromised feeding ability, or severe injury. They rarely ever approach humans or boats and prefer to keep their distance. This behavior may result in differential exposure to marine debris, collision with vessels and other anthropogenic activities between the two . As a whole there are around 80 – 90 recorded species of cetacea in existence today. In many sources it can be found under the scientific name Kogia simus. The dwarf sperm whale, or Kogia sim, is a smaller relative of the sperm whale. Dwarf sperm whales are rarely seen at sea and dive to depths of several thousand feet. Their eyes are dark and bulging with a dark ring surrounding them. When stranded animals are found alive, NOAA Fisheries and our partners assess the animal’s health. Entanglement in fishing gear is a primary cause of serious injury and death for many whale species, including dwarf sperm whales. They may feed in slightly shallower waters than pygmy sperm whales. Little is known about the dwarf sperm whale. Here are some tips to avoid collisions: Keep a sharp lookout. Dwarf sperm whales (Kogia sima) and pygmy sperm whales (Kogia breviceps) are the only two members of the Family Kogiidae, and both species are found in Hawaiian waters. Similar to squids, dwarf sperm whales can produce a dark, ink-like liquid that helps them escape from predators. Different levels of sound can disturb important activities, such as feeding, migrating, and socializing. Bycatch, They reach sexual maturity when they are 2.5 to 5 years old. Attempts to hold them in captivity have failed due to the whales inability to survive in small man-made habitats such as aquariums. The results of this research are used to inform management decisions for this species. This organ is a sac of oil that helps the whales produce sound. As with other marine mammals dwarf sperm whales are a protected species and individuals caught hunting these marine mammals could face steep fines and even jail time. Stop immediately if within 100 yards. DESCRIPTION. The sperm whale or cachalot (Physeter macrocephalus) is the largest of the toothed whales and the largest toothed predator. An adult dwarf sperm whale off the island of Hawai‘i. Keep your distance. Pygmy sperm whales enjoy temperate and tropical seas across the globe and are hard to distinguish from other dwarf sperm whales; et al. On the side of the head between the eye and the flipper there is often a crescent-shaped, light-colored mark referred to as a false gill. Dwarf sperm whales’ use of the "squid tactic" makes them unique among whales. Underwater noise is a likely threat to whale populations, interrupting their normal behavior and driving them away from areas important to their survival. For this reason, the IUCN currently lists the conservation status of this remarkable animal as Data Deficient, pending further research. The average gestation period for dwarf sperm whales is 9 – 11 months. Our work includes: Report a sick, injured, entangled, stranded, or dead animal to make sure professional responders and scientists know about it and can take appropriate action. Note the blunt head and large dorsal fin. Length and weight at birth are about 1m and 14kg, respectively. Each dwarf sperm whale has a sac filled with dark liquid in its intestine. Thought to include two separate species, the Atlantic dwarf sperm whale and the Indo-Pacific dwarf sperm whale, these whales are reserved beings who carry an air of mystery. Dwarf Sperm Whale – Kogia sima. It is the only living member of the genus Physeter and one of three extant species in the sperm whale family, along with the pygmy sperm whale and dwarf sperm whale of … Collisions with vessels are a major cause of injury and death for whales. Dwarf sperm whales prefer warmer tropical climates and are most commonly found in the waters of the continental shelf. West Coast, NOAA Fisheries' Office of Protected Resources has issued regulations to govern the unintentional taking of marine mammals incidental to fisheries research conducted in multiple specified geographical regions over the course of five years. YES!!! In the United States, NOAA Fisheries works to protect all populations of dwarf sperm whales. This organ is a sac of oil that helps the whales produce sound. Learn more about the Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program. One of the main threats to dwarf sperm whales is becoming entangled or captured in commercial fishing gear such trap lines, pots, and gillnets. In some ways the ink it produces functions similar to the ink of an octopus that is trying to escape a predator. To understand the health of marine mammal populations, scientists study unusual mortality events. Dwarf sperm whales are believed to inhabit coastal waters more than pygmy sperm whales. Additionally, the whales only come to the water’s surface when the sea and weather conditions are very calm. Their closest living relatives are hippopotamuses, but they split from them about 40 million years ago and since have become so adapted to sea life that they are unable to survive on land. As ocean noise increases from human sources, communication space decreases—the whales cannot hear each other, or discern other signals in their environment as they used to in an undisturbed ocean. They are weaned after 1 year. Collisions between whales and large vessels can injure or kill whales and damage vessels, but these collisions often go unnoticed and unreported. Internet Explorer lacks support for the features of this website. NOAA Fisheries conducts various research activities on the biology, behavior, and ecology of dwarf sperm whales. Their migration patterns are currently unknown. Females may give birth after a pregnancy that lasts about 1 year. While the reason for this behavior is unknown their inactive nature may help them stay undetected by predators looking to hunt them. Although there are no official estimates on population size it is believed that there are at least 10,000 – 15,000 dwarf sperm whales inhibiting the ocean. Even smaller than several species of dolphins, dwarf sperm whales are gorgeous little whales closely related to pygmy sperm whales. appearance, dwarf sperm whales and pygmy sperm whales demonstrate similarities in their foraging ecology as well as their acoustic signals. If this is not possible, the second-best option is for vessels to slow down and keep a lookout. Our scientists collect population information and present the data in annual stock assessment reports. The pygmy sperm whale, Kogia breviceps, and the dwarf sperm whale, K. sima, (hereafter jointly referred to as Kogia) are among the most poorly known pelagic cetacean (dolphins, porpoises and whales) species, yet are the second most common stranding cetacean in the SEUS (Scott et al., 2001, Odell et al., 2004). As a result, scientists rarely see dwarf sperm whales at sea. These whales are however still being actively hunted and killed in certain parts of the world due to their coastal nature which makes them easier targets than other whale species. to 600 lbs. They eat cephalopods (e.g., squid and octopus), crustaceans (e.g., crabs and shrimp), and fish. Dive depth: Depth unknown but estimated up to 1 500 meters with an average at around 300 meters. The steps include: We work with volunteer networks in all coastal states to respond to marine mammal strandings, including small whales. If loud enough, noise can cause permanent or temporary hearing loss. Learn who you should contact when you encounter a stranded or injured marine animal >. (2014) conducted diet and stable isotope analyses on stranded pygmy and dwarf sperm whales from the mid- Atlantic coast and found that the two species shared the same primary prey Their head is sometimes described as shark-like because of its pointed snout and narrow, underslung lower jaw. to 600 lbs. Although the cause often remains unknown, scientists can sometimes identify strandings due to disease, harmful algal blooms, vessel strikes, fishing gear entanglements, pollution exposure, and ocean noise. Numerous organizations around the country are trained and ready to respond. They have a bluish gray coloring with a lighter colored under body. Watch your speed in areas of known marine mammal occurrence. Both species are poorly known due to the limited availability of information and their cryptic appearance at sea. Dwarf sperm whales are very similar in appearance to the pygmy sperm whale but have a slightly larger dorsal fin. Pollution – dwarf sperm whales need a healthy ocean to thrive. Calves are about 3.3 feet long and weigh about 30 pounds at birth. Giant sperm whales are the largest creatures in the game by a wide margin; they are eight times the size of a dragon, ten times that of a bronze colossus, about 380 times the size of a fully-grown bull moose, and about 3,330 times the size of a measly dwarf. Stranded whales have also been found with heart disease, immune system problems, and parasite infestations. When threatened the dwarf sperm whale is able to produce a dark red ink which is believed to be used to blind and disorient its prey so that it can escape. These two types of whales were not distinguished as separate species until 1966. However, according to Worms and IUCN Redlist, the current correct name is Kogia sima. They are also believed to be more coastal than their other two family members of the sperm whale family (the sperm whale and pygmy sperm whale). Scientists observe dwarf sperm whales to record their numbers and distribution. Dwarf sperm whales are smaller at 2.7 m and 272 kg. As they escape their flukes help disperse the ink in the water to help increase the ink cloud and make it difficult for them to be seen. The dwarf sperm whale, Kogia simus, is an shy animal and prefers to live a long way from shore, although specimens have been found stranded on beaches. Distribution: Dwarf sperm whales have a cosmopolitan distribution in temperate and tropical seas worldwide. Dwarf sperm whales are very similar in appearance to the pygmy sperm whale but have a slightly larger dorsal fin. The western North Atlantic dwarf sperm once the dwarf sperm whale reaches sexual maturity between 2.5 – 5 years it is then able to mate and reproduce its own offspring. Dwarf sperm whales spend very little time at the water’s surface and almost never approach vessels. Ocean noise, New England/Mid-Atlantic, While on the water’s surface, dwarf sperm whales have a low profile because their head and back are somewhat flat. Here, the occurrence of the anisakid species Anisakis physeteris and A. pegreffii in the stomach chambers of an adult female dwarf sperm whale, stranded in southern Italy, is reported. In the wild, it is very difficult to distinguish between the two species because they have similar appearances and geographic ranges. It is generally not commonly seen at sea, although this may have more to do with its cryptic appearance than actual rarity. Baby whales measure between 3.3 – 4 feet at birth and typically weigh between 85 – 110 pounds. In the Atlantic, we have taken both regulatory and non-regulatory steps to reduce the threat of vessel collisions to North Atlantic right whales, which may also reduce the threat to dwarf sperm whales. Note: Due to difficulty observed these animals it is unsure how abundant or endangered their population may be. Be responsible when viewing marine life in the wild. Similar to squids, dwarf sperm whales can produce a dark, ink-like liquid that helps them escape from predators. Disclosure Policy | Privacy Policy | Copyright © 2021 WhaleFacts.org. As stated previously when fully grown the dwarf sperm whale measures in at around 9 ft. long and weighs an average of 400 lbs. Keep speeds to 10 knots or less to reduce potential for injury. Due to their small size, slow behavior and solitary lifestyle these whales are very difficult to observe in the wild (let alone spot) so only a limited amount of information is currently known about them. The species lives in warm waters around the world, feeding on fish, crustaceans and cephalopods. These conditions can lead to reduced reproductive success and death. These two types of whales were not distinguished as separate species until 1966. You may also contact your closest NOAA Office of Law Enforcement field during regular business hours. No pay, but we might be able to cover travel and lodging expenses." As with other toothed whales the dwarf sperm whale has a single blowhole that it uses to breathe, however the length of time these marine mammals can dive for before resurfacing for air is unknown. Their underside is paler with white or pink tones. After birth the baby whale is likely nursed by its mother and fed milk until it can hunt for food on its own. Adults average eight feet long and 450lbs and eat fish, octopus, squid and crustaceans. When they are seen at the surface, they are usually either swimming slowly or lying still (also known as logging). Measuring in at around 9 feet this whale is currently considered the smallest of the whale species and makes up one of three species within the sperm whale family. Toxic chemicals, plastics, litter and oil spills all cause enormous damage to the marine environment. When they do communicate vocally there communication often consists of high pitched clicks and whistles which can be used for both echolocation and social interaction. Advanced embedding details, examples, and help! They spend very little time at the water's surface and they almost never approach vessels.. As a result, very little data has been gathered on them; but we do know that unlike other whales, these dolphin-sized creatures are known to use a 'squid-like tactic' when escaping from predators. Dwarf sperm whales are shy creatures that usually inhabit the deep sea. This research involves increasing our understanding of the basic acoustic behavior of whales, dolphins, and fish; mapping the acoustic environment; and developing better methods to locate cetaceans using autonomous gliders and passive acoustic arrays. Echolocation may also serve as an early warning system by helping these marine mammals detect nearby threats in advance before they can attack the dwarf sperm whale. Fishing gear – dwarf sperm whales can get accidentally caught in fishing nets and lines, injuring or even killing them. Targeted management actions taken to secure protections for these whales include: Our research projects have discovered new aspects of dwarf sperm whale biology, behavior, and ecology and helped us better understand the challenges that all dwarf sperm whales face. Monitoring population abundance and distribution. Acoustics is the science of how sound is transmitted. They are by far the largest of the animal people – half the weight of a fully-grown dragon. The dwarf sperm whales is the smallest species classified as a whale, even smaller than some dolphin species. Color: Soft blue-grey above and pinkish on the ventral part. Dwarf Sperm Whale CHARACTERISTICS. This makes it difficult to estimate their minimum population size or current population trends. Dwarf sperm whales Item Preview > remove-circle Share or Embed This Item. As stated earlier when the dwarf sperm whale is attacked it will release a dark ink from its body to blind potential predators. Kogia sima was first described by Owen in 1866. This hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for anyone in the United States. Hunting giant sperm whales is not easy due to their aquatic nature (and their sheer size). NOAA Fisheries is committed to the protection of dwarf sperm whales. In the field, it is very difficult to distinguish between the two species because they can be so easily confused. In the Northern Hemisphere, they live in the waters around Oman, the Persian Gulf, the Maldives, Japan, British Columbia, the Gulf of California, the Gulf of Mexico, and northwestern Europe. In most cases they are either swimming very slowly or logging (floating motionless) in the water. Staudinger . Feeding Behavior (Ecology) Dwarf sperm whales likely hunt near the ocean bottom on deep sea cephalopods, fish, and crustaceans.. Life History. You … The center of its body is stocky but tapers down the closer you get the tail and flukes. Whales are large ocean-dwelling mammals ranging in size from the 8.5 foot dwarf sperm whale to the 98 foot blue whale, which is the largest creature to have ever lived. The dwarf sperm whale is the smallest species commonly known as a whale. Dwarf sperm whales usually avoid vessels and planes, the tools that our scientists use to measure population size. These…, NOAA Fisheries has issued an incidental harassment authorization (IHA) to the Scripps Institute of Oceanography (SIO) to incidentally harass, by Level B harassment only, marine mammals during a low-energy marine geophysical survey in the South Atlantic…, NOAA Fisheries issued an incidental harassment authorization (IHA) to the Scripps Institute of Oceanography (SIO) to incidentally harass, by Level A and Level B harassment, marine mammals during a low-energy marine geophysical survey in the Southwest…, NOAA Fisheries, upon request from the U.S. Navy, has issued regulations pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act to govern the taking of marine mammals incidental to the training and testing activities conducted in the Northwest Training and Testing…, Stay informed of all the latest regional news around NOAA Fisheries, , an unusual mortality event (UME) is defined as "a stranding that is unexpected; involves a significant die-off of any marine mammal population; and demands immediate response.". Dwarf sperm whales, like all marine mammals, are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Their blows are not visible when they surface. Call the NOAA Fisheries Enforcement Hotline at (800) 853-1964 to report a federal marine resource violation. They have a marking behind the eye that is often called a "false gill" because it looks similar to a fish's gill cover or slit. Underwater noise pollution can interrupt the normal behavior of dwarf sperm whales, which rely on sound to communicate. The adults are about 2.7m long and weigh up to 270kg. Dwarf sperm whales, Kogia sima, world range is unknown though they are often found in coastal waters near the surface, and they are also known to be deep divers. When stranded animals are found dead, our scientists work to understand and investigate the cause of death. Overseeing marine mammal health and stranding response. Dwarf sperm whales are found in temperate and tropical seas worldwide. In the Southern Hemisphere, females give birth between December and March. They have up to 3 pairs of teeth in the upper jaw and 7 to 13 pairs of teeth in the lower jaw. Little is known about the reproductive cycle of dwarf sperm whales, Kogia sima. Adults of both species are dark bluish-gray to blackish-brown dorsally and light below. All marine mammals, including dwarf sperm whales, are protected in the United States under the MMPA. The dwarf sperm whale lives on a diet consisting primarily of small crab, shrimp, fish, octopus and squid. These whales are primarily solitary animals although they may occasionally be seen traveling in small pods of up to 10 members. It appears to be distributed widely in tropical to warm temperate zones, apparently largely offshore. In 2016, we issued technical guidance for assessing the effects of anthropogenic (human-caused) sound on marine mammals’ hearing. Mounting evidence from scientific research has documented that ocean noise also causes marine mammals to change the frequency or amplitude of calls, decrease foraging behavior, become displaced from preferred habitat, or increase the level of stress hormones in their bodies. Marine debris, In addition to being hunted these marine mammals have also been found accidentally entangled in fishing nets and may be endangered by polluted waters and/or food in and around the coast line. At ( 800 ) 853-1964 to report a federal marine resource violation from. The normal behavior and driving them away from areas important to their survival of Hawai ‘ i ink-like that! 2.5 – 5 years old waxy substance, spermaceti, found in its stock assessment reports have due... Ship traffic unknown their inactive nature may also help protect them from larger that... The whales produce sound the second-best option is for vessels to slow down specific! 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While on the water ’ s surface, dwarf sperm whales coastal nature may also contact your closest Office! Fisheries conducts various research activities on the acoustic environment of cetaceans, including dwarf sperm whales usually vessels. 13 pairs of teeth in the wild, it is then able to cover travel lodging! Sex, but the risk is higher in some settings may cause some whales strand. Its cryptic appearance than actual rarity largely offshore an average of 400 lbs whales prefer warmer tropical climates are. Small pods of up to 10 members off the island of Hawai ‘ i scientists work to understand the of. Potential for injury and distribution vulnerable to vessel strikes throughout their range, but these collisions often unnoticed...