Observations of cetaceans in the Maldives, 1990-2002

Abstract

Cetaceans observed in Maldivian waters were recorded during the period August 1990 to June 2002, from both vessels-of-opportunity and dedicated cetacean-watching cruises. A total of 1,829 cetacean sightings were recorded during 535 days at sea (equivalent to 261 standardised days). There were 83 multispecies sightings, plus a further 58 sightings without associated effort data and 129 strandings were recorded by the author and others, making a total of 2,108 cetacean records. In all, 20 different species were positively identified from sightings. Spinner dolphins were the most abundant species seen, accounting for 35% of sightings and 53% of numbers. This species showed a clear diurnal pattern of behaviour, with many schools entering the atolls in the early morning, and leaving in the late afternoon. Spinner dolphins regularly occurred with pantropical spotted dolphins and both species associated with yellowfin tuna. Bryde’s whales also associated with yellowfin tuna and appeared to be most common in Maldivian waters during El Niño Southern Oscillation events. Blue whales were only recorded during November to April. Dwarf sperm whales were especially difficult to locate in rough weather but relatively common, making up one sixth of all sightings in flat-calm conditions. Melon-headed whales were particularly common in the south of the Maldives, but rare in the centre and north. Other species recorded were humpback whale, sperm whale, rough-toothed dolphin, Risso’s dolphin, bottlenose dolphin, striped dolphin, Fraser’s dolphin, pygmy killer whale, false killer whale, killer whale, short-finned pilot whale, Blainville’s beaked whale, Longman’s beaked whale and Cuvier’s beaked whale.