Pygmy beaked whale

The most recently described and smallest member of toothed whales –it was only classified as a distinct species in 1991

Little is known about this whale, as researching this species has proven to be very hard due to their rare appearances, remote habitat, and elusive nature. Moreover, pygmy beaked whale also seems to favor deep offshore water for swimming away from coastline and sea shores. Scientists have only examined 13 dead specimens to date, and less than five reliable sightings have ever been recorded.

Likewise, for the same reason, the pygmy beaked whale is seldom hunted as it dwells deep into the ocean. Accidental traps in fishing gear are also rare, and no reliable data is present about their natural predators and threats.

Distribution

Country
Population est.
Status
Year
Comments
Pacific ocean
2020
Chile
2020
Vagrant
Colombia
2020
Costa Rica
2020
Ecuador
2020
El Salvador
2020
Guatemala
2020
Honduras
2020
Mexico
2020
New Zealand
2020
Vagrant: South Is.
Nicaragua
2020
Panama
2020
Peru
2020
United States
2020
California

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Terrestrial / Aquatic

Altricial / Precocial

Polygamous / Monogamous

Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic

Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal

Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd / Group

Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore

Migratory: Yes / No

Domesticated: Yes / No

Dangerous: Yes / No