Anthropogenic impact on a pregnant Cuvier’s beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris) stranded in Brazil
Abstract Background Because of their usually cryptic behaviour, most knowledge on the biology of beaked whales are from records of stranded animals. Although the Cuvier’s beaked whale ( Ziphius cavirostris ) is the best known species of the ziphiidae family, little information on its reproduction is...
| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Other/Unknown Material |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
BioMed Central Ltd.
2016
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.mbr.biomedcentral.comcontent/9/1/30 |
| Summary: | Abstract Background Because of their usually cryptic behaviour, most knowledge on the biology of beaked whales are from records of stranded animals. Although the Cuvier’s beaked whale ( Ziphius cavirostris ) is the best known species of the ziphiidae family, little information on its reproduction is available. Results Here we report on the stranding of a dead pregnant female with clear signs of anthropogenic impact, including the presence of a fishing artefact in the stomach. Conclusions The region of the stranding (north-eastern coast of Brazil) is an area of increasing interest for oil and gas exploitation. Conservation concerns may arise from findings such as the one presented and discussed here. |
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