The 5 secrets of the pilot whale of Tenerife – Fifth secret. Their habitat.

Where and how can I see pilot whales in their natural habitat?

There are several places around the world where you can spot pilot whales. These magnificent creatures can be sighted in Hawaii, Florida, Japan, and Tenerife, specifically in the Teno-Rasca nature reserve located on the southwest coast of the island. If you’re eager to catch a glimpse of these amazing animals, the best option is to join a whale watching tour. However, it is crucial to ensure that the tour operator has the Blue Boat label, which serves as confirmation that they prioritize marine conservation, safeguard biodiversity, and combat pollution.

The Teno-Rasca nature reserve: A haven for biodiversity

In short, the Teno-Rasca protected natural area holds immense ecological, scenic, and historical value, and it has been safeguarded to preserve its natural treasures. This region boasts diverse habitats, endemic species of flora and fauna, and remarkable geological formations, making it an ideal destination for outdoor activities and sustainable tourism.

Explore the wonders of Teno-Rasca: More than just pilot whales

If you’re seeking an extraordinary experience of whale watching alongside other marine creatures like dolphins and even turtles, we highly recommend exploring our excursions section. Should you have any queries or require additional information, please feel free to reach out to us.

A diverse ecosystem: From cetaceans to seabirds

The Teno-Rasca natural reserve is a remarkable sanctuary that nurtures a wide range of marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Within this area, you’ll encounter various cetaceans, including pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins. Additionally, marine turtles and diverse seabirds like the Cory’s shearwater can also be observed in these waters.

From sea cliffs to banana plantations: Nature and culture intertwined

Regarding the habitats found in the reserve, you’ll witness a breathtaking blend of sea cliffs, laurel forests, and vast expanses of banana plantations and other agricultural crops. This amalgamation of nature and culture renders Teno-Rasca a truly distinctive and exceptional destination.

Immerse yourself in pristine nature: Visit Teno-Rasca

If you’re yearning for an opportunity to immerse yourself in pristine nature, Teno-Rasca is the perfect choice. Don’t hesitate to contact us and book your whale watching tour to discover more about this marvelous location.

The 5 secrets of Tenerife’s pilot whale – Fifth secret. The last secret.

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The 5 secrets of the Tenerife pilot whale, Fourth secret. A marvellous design.

What is the difference between the short-finned pilot whale and the long-finned pilot whale?

The short-finned pilot whale (Globicephala macrorhynchus) and the long-finned pilot whale (Globicephala melas) are two different species of pilot dolphins or pilot whales belonging to the same family, the Delphinidae. Some of the differences between these two species are detailed below:

Geographic distribution: The short-finned pilot whale is found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world, while the long-finned pilot whale is found mainly in cold, temperate waters of the North Atlantic and North Pacific.

Body size and shape: The short-finned pilot whale is slightly larger than the long-finned pilot whale, with a more robust body and a larger, rounded head.

Dorsal fin: The dorsal fin of the short-finned pilot whale is taller and curved backwards, while that of the long-finned pilot whale is shorter and straighter.

Colouring: The short-finned pilot whale has a more distinctive colouration pattern, with a dark grey or black body and a white spot on the head extending towards the throat. The short-finned pilot whale also has a dark grey or black body, but its head is more rounded and its white spot is smaller.

Behaviour: The short-finned pilot whale is known to be a more active and acrobatic species, while the long-finned pilot whale is calmer and less likely to jump and perform acrobatics in the air.

In summary, the short-finned pilot whale and the long-finned pilot whale are two distinct species of pilot dolphins that differ in their geographic distribution, body size and shape, colouring and behaviour. Both species are fascinating and highly intelligent, and are among the most impressive and majestic cetaceans in the marine world.

What do we see in the Canary Islands?

The short-finned pilot whales we see in Tenerife can reach a length of about 7 metres and weigh between 1000 and 4000 kg. Normally, the males are longer and heavier than the females. Juveniles are characterised by a light grey colour, which turns black when they become adults. In addition, they have white spots on the ventral area. Their head, known as melon, has a very characteristic rounded shape. Their fin, also rounded and short, is one of the first distinguishing features that allow us to differentiate pilot whales from dolphins on our sighting trips.

It is precisely the fin that is the main apparent difference between the short-finned pilot whale and the long-finned pilot whale, as this cetacean species has a more elongated fin. In addition to that, it has more teeth. Otherwise, their external appearance is almost identical.

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In 2021, Tenerife became the first place in Europe to be recognised as a World Whale Heritage Site and the third in the world along with Hervey Bay in Australia and The Bluff in South Africa. This important award is due to the fact that the southwest coast is home to between 200 and 400 short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus), as well as several species of dolphins. We tell you the 5 secrets of this species of cetacean that inhabits the coast of Tenerife.

Do pilot whales live alone or in groups?

Pilot whales, also known as long-finned pilot dolphins, are social animals that live in large groups called “pods”. Pilot whale pods may consist of tens or even hundreds of individuals and are known to stay together throughout their lives.

Within pods, pilot whales establish complex and well-developed social relationships, with bonds between individuals lasting for years or even decades. Pilot whale pods are often composed of family groups, and family bonds are known to be very strong in these cetacean populations.

Interestingly, pilot whales are known for their cooperative behaviour and their ability to work as a team to hunt prey and perform other tasks. These complex social and cognitive skills are one of the reasons why pilot whales are considered fascinating animals and are among the most intelligent marine mammals.

Canary pilot whales live in groups of 10 to 30 individuals, but these can be much larger, reaching up to 60. They are not solitary animals, on the contrary, they like to live in a community.

When travelling in the ocean, females and their young usually travel in the centre of the group.

The male pilot whales and the older females are positioned on the sides so that they surround the cetaceans in the centre to protect them from possible threats.

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The 5 secrets of the short-finned pilot whale of Tenerife – Secret 2. What do they eat?

2. How do the pilot whales of Tenerife feed?

In the case of pilot whales, it is usually the males who are in charge of searching for food and, sometimes, they are accompanied by the older female. To find their prey, they have to dive about 1000 metres, where they can stay for about 20 minutes without needing to come up for air.

Once they spot their favourite delicacy, the giant squid, they try to bring it to the surface.

Meanwhile, the prey struggles to stay on the bottom of the ocean so that it can slip away when the pilot whales come up for air. When the cetaceans win the battle, the juvenile pilot whales are the first to feed, followed by the females and finally the males.

Conclusion of the second not-so-secret secret.

Pilot whales are known to be expert hunters and work together in groups to corner and capture their prey. They use cooperative hunting techniques, such as swimming in circles around a school of fish or a school of squid, which makes it more difficult for the fish or squid to escape.

In addition to their strong jaws and teeth, pilot whales also have an advanced echolocation system. They emit high-frequency sounds that bounce off nearby objects and prey, allowing them to detect and locate their prey in the dark and in deep water.

The 5 secrets of the Tenerife pilot whale – Secret number two.

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The 5 secrets of the tropical pilot whale in Tenerife – First secret. In 2021, Tenerife became the first place recognized as a World Heritage Site for Whales in Europe, and the third in the world along with Hervey Bay in Australia and The Bluff in South Africa. This important award is due to the fact that between 200 and 400 specimens of the tropical pilot whale or short-finned pilot whale (Globicephala macrorhynchus) inhabit the southwest coast, as well as several species of dolphins. We will tell you the 5 secrets hidden by this species of cetaceans that inhabit the coast of Tenerife.

1. Why have pilot whales chosen Tenerife?

Our volcanic island, due to its privileged geographic location, is located on the migratory route of sperm whales, killer whales, or fin whales. In addition, a very unique species of whales, the short-finned pilot whale, has chosen these waters to stay and live. This is because:

• In the Canary Islands, the waters of the Atlantic Ocean are very clear and deep.
• Between the islands of Tenerife and La Gomera, the temperature remains more or less constant throughout the year.
• Their favorite food, the giant squid (Architeuthis), is also found in these waters. This genus of cephalopods reaches impressive sizes. The largest one found in Tenerife measured 13 meters and weighed 2000 kg.

Conclusion.

In summary, short-finned pilot whales can be found in the Canary Islands due to the abundance of food in these waters, as well as the currents and water temperatures that attract a variety of marine species. Sightings of short-finned pilot whales in the Canary Islands are a reminder of the richness and diversity of marine life in the waters surrounding these beautiful islands.

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