The animal discovered dead on Wednesday morning in the waters off Caniço de Baixo has been confirmed as a Blainville Beaked Whale, not a dolphin as initially reported, due to the similarities between the two species.
The alert was given by people who spotted the whale floating near the Galo Mar bathing complex, and the occurrence mobilised the Maritime Police, the Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation (IFCN), and the Madeira Whale Museum.
Speaking to DIÁRIO, Luís Freitas, coordinator of the Science Unit of the Whale Museum, confirmed the species and clarified that the animal will now be the target of a detailed scientific investigation. “We are going to do an autopsy to try to understand the causes of death. Biological samples will be collected for various studies, including stomach contents and skin samples. Then, the skeleton will be cleaned and integrated into our reference collection.”
The collection and transport operation was carried out by the Whale Museum, which coordinates the Cetacean Stranding Network of the Madeira Archipelago (R.A.C.A.M.).
Luís Freitas emphasised the importance of reporting any sighting of dead or debilitated animals through the SOS and Salvage network. “This is always good to remember. When people find dead sea mammals, they should report it to the Whale Museum, the maritime authorities, or the Institute of Forest and Nature Conservation through the SOS and Salvagem network. Then the animal, depending on the dimensions and conditions, can be brought to the museum.”
The Blainville Beaked Whale can be found in all oceans. The whale is said to be a fascinating species that plays a critical role in marine ecosystems, yet very little is known about it. Although it is the least understood of the cetacean family, conservation is vital due to ongoing threats to the species, including marine hazards such as fishing nets and pollution.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
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