Long-finned pilot whales (Globicephala melas) of the Strait of Gibraltar
We are presenting here the most characteristic
individuals of the Strait. We currently have 236 identified individuals between
1999 and 2005 but we still have many photos to study in order to complete our
catalogue. If you have pictures of pilot whales from the Strait where the dorsal
fin is clearly shown, do not hesitate to send it to us with the date of the
picture and, if available, the position in latitude and longitude, by email
to:
. We may
already have it in our catalogue. If it is the case we will send you the history
of that individual (where, when and with whom we have already seen it).
To name our individuals, first they receive a number (example: Gm_Gib_002) which correspond to the species (Gm = Globicephala melas), the place the picture was taken (Gib = Gibraltar) and the number given to the individual in the catalogue (002 = the second identified individual in the catalogue). Then, we give them a name, for example Monk and Pepe are two individuals very easy to recognise at sea as they both have their dorsal fin cut.
The drawing of the dorsal fin lets us find very rapidly a known individual as we are attracted only by the notches instead of the scars on the body that disappear with time.