Pilot Whales

Details

Globicephala—the pilot whales—is a genus in the family Delphinidae with two living species: the Long‑finned Pilot Whale (G. melas) and the Short‑finned Pilot Whale (G. macrorhynchus). Both are highly social, deep‑diving squid predators with rounded foreheads (large melons) and falcate, forward‑set dorsal fins. They travel in matrilineal pods and sometimes share feeding grounds with sperm whales.

Ecology & Behaviour

Diet is dominated by squid with fishes taken opportunistically. They frequent continental‑shelf breaks, seamounts and frontal systems, using sophisticated social/vocal coordination and alloparental care (calf “escorts”). Strong cohesion can lead to occasional mass strandings.

Identification

Length ~3.5–7.5 m, mass ~1–3.5 t. Bulbous head with very short rostrum; falcate dorsal fin about one‑third body length from the snout. Dark grey to black with a pale “saddle” behind the dorsal fin; G. melas has longer pectorals, while G. macrorhynchus shows shorter pectorals and a taller, more triangular fin.

Range & Species

• G. melas (Long‑finned): North Atlantic and temperate–subpolar Southern Hemisphere; cooler‑water specialist.

• G. macrorhynchus (Short‑finned): Widespread in tropical–subtropical oceans worldwide.

Threats & Conservation

• Bycatch/entanglement in longlines and gillnets.

• Noise & sonar affecting communication/navigation; ship strikes locally.

• Drive hunts/harvests in a few areas, managed under local regulations and international scrutiny.

• Pollutants & prey shifts (POPs, biotoxins, climate variability).

Priorities: gear modifications and observer programs, dynamic protection of key seamount/front habitats, quieter‑ship initiatives and speed management, and robust stranding‑response networks.