Short-finned pilot whale

The short-finned pilot whale, a member of the oceanic dolphin family, is found worldwide with an estimated population of around 700,000 individuals. Known for their playful and social nature, these whales typically travel in pods of 10–30 members, usually led by an elder female. Their social structure is matrilineal, centering around the female lineage. The species exhibits polygyny, resulting in more females than males within each pod.

One of the most intriguing aspects of short-finned pilot whales is their remarkable diving ability. They primarily hunt squid, diving up to 700 meters deep, with some dives reaching over 1,000 meters.

Belonging to the genus *Globicephala*, short-finned pilot whales are closely related to long-finned pilot whales. They are distinguished by their black to dark gray or brown skin, stocky build, and shorter flippers compared to their long-finned relatives. Although historically hunted, short-finned pilot whales are now protected by international treaties. However, countries like Japan and those in the Lesser Antilles still engage in whaling.

Short-finned pilot whales inhabit the temperate and tropical waters of the Indian, Atlantic, and Pacific Oceans. They tend to remain close to their birthplaces, a behavior known as strong natal philopatry. These whales also attract significant interest from whale-watching tourism in some regions.

Unfortunately, they face several threats from human activities, including hunting, entanglement in fishing gear, vessel strikes, and pollution. Climate change is also impacting their habitats and could lead to hybridization with long-finned pilot whales.

To protect short-finned pilot whales, various laws and agreements are in place, such as the Marine Mammal Protection Act in the United States and their listings under CITES. Ongoing research, including photo-identification, satellite tagging, and genetic studies, is crucial for understanding their populations and developing effective conservation strategies. Although listed as Data Deficient on the IUCN Red List, efforts continue to mitigate threats and ensure these fascinating creatures thrive.