Anthropogenic impact on a pregnant Cuvier’s beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris) stranded in Brazil

• Main Authors: Bortolotto, Guilherme, Morais, Igor, Ferreira, Paulo, Reis, Maria do Socorro Santos dos, Souto, Luciano
• Format: Other/Unknown Material
• Language: English
• Published: BioMed Central Ltd. 2016
• Subjects: Ziphiidae; Cetacean; Reproduction; Marine debris; Brazil; Toothed whale; toothed whale
• Online Access: http://www.mbr.biomedcentral.comcontent/9/1/30

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.