Fin whale (Balaenoptera borealis). More info.

Balaenoptera borealis, also known as Bryde’s whale, is a species of whale that inhabits warm temperate waters around the world. It is one of the smallest whales of the genus Balaenoptera, with a maximum length of about 15 metres and a weight of up to 21 tonnes. Its body is elongated and slender, with a V-shaped head and a long, slender dorsal fin.

Bryde’s whales are solitary animals or move in small groups, feeding mainly on fish and krill. They are known for their ability to filter large amounts of water to catch their prey. Despite being a widely distributed species, relatively little is known about their migration patterns and behaviour.

Commercial hunting of Bryde’s whales has decreased significantly since the global moratorium on whaling, but they are still considered vulnerable due to the threat of water pollution, collision with ships and accidental capture in fishing nets. Conservation of these whales includes reducing these threats and protecting their critical habitats.

Balaenoptera borealis is a fascinating whale species that plays an important role in marine ecosystems. Although measures have been taken to protect it, it still faces significant threats and its conservation remains an important priority to ensure its long-term survival.

False killer whale (Pseudorca crassidens). More info.

Pseudorca crassidens, or the false killer whale, is a unique species of dolphin that inhabits tropical and temperate waters all over the world. Although it shares a similar name with the killer whale, it is the only member of the Pseudorca genus and is not closely related to its namesake.

The false killer whale is a large and slender marine mammal, with adult males reaching lengths of up to 6 meters and weighing as much as 1,500 kilograms. Their bodies are dark gray or black, with a long and narrow head and a striking dorsal fin. These social creatures are often observed traveling in groups of hundreds of individuals, showcasing their unique behaviors.

As apex predators, false killer whales feed on a variety of prey including fish, squid, and smaller cetaceans. They work together in coordinated hunting efforts, which can include herding and chasing prey onto shore in some areas. These complex hunting strategies highlight their intelligence and social behavior.

Despite their formidable hunting abilities, false killer whales face several threats, including habitat loss, pollution, and accidental entanglement in fishing gear. Although conservation efforts are being made, the lack of information about their population size and trends has resulted in their classification as “Data Deficient” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Conservation measures include reducing bycatch in fisheries, protecting critical habitats, and monitoring population trends. Overall, it is important to continue studying and protecting this unique and fascinating species of dolphin.

Fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus). More info…

Balaenoptera borealis, also known as Bryde’s whale, is a species of whale found in warm, tropical waters of the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans. It was named after Johan Bryde, the first whaler in South Africa.

Bryde’s whales have a slender, elongated body with a rounded head and a high, triangular dorsal fin. They can reach a length of up to 14 metres and weigh up to 25 tonnes. They feed mainly on krill, copepods and small fish, and are known for their ability to chase their prey at high speed.

Although considered a relatively common whale species, the Bryde’s whale faces several threats, including commercial whaling, pollution, climate change and incidental capture in fishing nets. Commercial hunting of Bryde’s whales has been significantly reduced since the International Whaling Commission (IWC) imposed a moratorium on commercial whaling in 1986, but hunting is still reported in some countries. In addition, the Bryde’s whale is classified as “data deficient” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to lack of information on abundance and population status.

More info…

Delphinus delphis, also known as common dolphin or striped dolphin, is a species of dolphin found in all but polar waters of the world. It is a member of the family Delphinidae and is characterised by its slender, streamlined body, rounded head and distinctive dorsal fin.

Common dolphins are light grey on top and white underneath, with dark spots on the sides that resemble a list. They can reach a length of up to 2.5 metres and weigh around 100 kg. They are highly social and are commonly found in groups that can vary from a few individuals to hundreds.

These dolphins are known for their acrobatic behaviour and are often seen leaping and spinning in the air. They are also very active in the water and are able to swim at speeds of up to 60 km/h. They feed mainly on fish and squid, and are very effective predators.

Although the common dolphin is not endangered, it faces threats such as bycatch, pollution and habitat loss. Bycatch in fishing nets is one of the greatest threats to the species, and thousands of common dolphins are believed to die each year as a result. As a result, conservation measures have been implemented to protect the species, such as reducing the use of gillnets in areas where these dolphins are known to live.