Sperm whale  (Physeter macrocephalus)

Authentication

This information is awaiting authentication by a species expert, and will be updated as soon as possible. If you are able to help please contact:
arkive@wildscreen.org.uk

Glossary

Cetaceans: Cetaceans are a group comprising all whale species, therefore including dolphins and porpoises.
Echolocation: Detecting objects by reflected sound. Used for orientation and detecting and locating prey by bats and cetacea (whales and dolphins).
Gestation: The state of being pregnant; the period from conception to birth.

References

  1. IUCN Red List (June, 2009)
    http://www.iucnredlist.org
  2. Cawardine, M., Hoyt, E., Fordyce, R.E. and Gill, P. (1998) Whales and Dolphins. Harper Collins Publishers, London.
  3. Kinze, C.C. (2002) Photographic Guide to the Marine Mammals of the North Atlantic. Oxford University Press, Oxford.
  4. CITES (March, 2004)
    http://www.cites.org/
  5. Carwardine, M. (2000) Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises. Dorling Kindersley, London.
  6. Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (March, 2004)
    http://www.wdcs.org/species_guide.php
  7. World Wildlife Fund (March, 2004)
    http://www.worldwildlife.org/cetaceans/subspecies/subspecies_sw.cfm