Wild Cetacean News

TheMightyOrca

TheMightyOrca

Well-Known Member
10+ year member
Since many species of cetacean are elusive or poorly studied, I figured having one big thread dedicated to wild cetacean news would be a good thing.

The vaquita population has dropped below 100 this year, making it the most endangered cetacean in the world. Drastic population declines have been credited to illegal fishing of totoaba. Vaquitas drown in the nets. The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is starting to promote vaquita conservation, and I really hope they succeed in getting the word out.

The Taiji drive hunt is underway, and most species have been in short supply so far. Most slaughters and captures have been of the Risso's dolphin. (interestingly, two white Risso's have been captured. How weird is that?) Many people are trying to speculate why the other species aren't showing up. Source

A few months ago, a rare spectacled porpoise washed up on a New Zealand beach. With so few specimens ever being available for observation, it's an exciting opportunity to study the animal.
 
I felt the need to share this article about morbillivirus in the Florida Keys, however I couldn't find a place to do it. So I made one. As you can see there is currently an epidemic of morbillivirus going on which has now reached the Keys. Currently those in charge of captive facilities in the Keys aren't worried about the virus infecting their animals due to the fact that there is rarely, if ever, and direct contact between their animals and their wild counterparts.

Expert now says half of Keys dolphins could be at mortal risk with morbillivirus outbreak | News | KeysNet
 
TheMightyOrca said:
That oil spill is Bangladesh is killing river dolphins. :( I REALLY wish this was getting more media attention, but for some reason oceanic oil spills tend to get more news coverage.

First Dead Dolphin Spotted After Bangladesh Oil Spill
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There always seems to be one nightmare or another in that part of the world, unfortunately I think that people are just numb it. Alas, if this species goes extinct I suspect most humans won't notice, never having known it existed in the first place.
 
wensleydale said:
There always seems to be one nightmare or another in that part of the world, unfortunately I think that people are just numb it. Alas, if this species goes extinct I suspect most humans won't notice, never having known it existed in the first place.
Click to expand...

That's what I fear. It sucks. :(

I expect that the vaquita is going to go extinct in a few years, and what makes it especially tragic is that hardly anyone will notice. Barely anyone has heard of the species, and unless something happens between now and their likely extinction, their disappearance will hardly get any attention. It sucks. I'm working on a little project in hopes of raising awareness, but I'm still dreadfully pessimistic.
 
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