Hector's Beaked Whale
Hector's Beaked Whale is known from records in the Southern Hemisphere, mainly Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, the Falkland Isles, and some countries of South America. In recent years, however, it seems that this cetacean's range has extended, for some have stranded in Southern California, USA.
Classification: It was in 1871 that John Gray described this species. The specific name, hectori, is derived from J. Hector, the curator of the New Zealand museum that housed the first specimen.
Local Names: New Zealand Beaked Whale; Skew-Beaked Whale.
Description: Hector's Beaked Whale appears to be dark grey to brown in colour, with pale grey undersides. Scratches and scars are common on the flanks, while a small triangular tooth is found exposed on either side of the lower jaw near the tip. The longest stranded male was 4.3m, with the longest female slightly bigger at 4.43m.
Recognition at sea: Unknown.
Habitat: Hector's Beaked Whale tends to prefer cool temperate waters.
Food & Feeding:A stomach analysis of an adult Hector's Beaked Whale shows that squid is the main food source.
Behaviour: Unknown.
Longevity: Unknown.
Estimated Current Population: Unknown.
The Influence of Man: Unknown.
Source: CETACEA
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