Short communication, Note

https://doi.org/10.20302/NC.2021.30.18

Rare records of the false killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens) in the Adriatic Sea

Draško Holcer orcid.org/0000-0002-7989-0936 ; Croatian Natural History Museum, Demetrova 1, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Jure Miočić-Stošić orcid.org/0000-0002-0584-9092 ; Croatian Natural History Museum, Demetrova 1, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Tihana Vučur Blazinić ; Blue World Institute of Marine Research and Conservation, Kaštel 24, 51551 Veli Lošinj, Croatia

Abstract

In spring 2021, four unusual encounters with a group of false killer whales were recorded in Kvarner Bay, Northern Adriatic Sea. A minimum of five individuals, including a calf, were observed and two photos were taken corroborating species identification. These are the first reported sightings of the species in the Adriatic Sea since the mid-twentieth century. In addition, another encounter was revealed that occurred at the end of the 2000s in the same location and should be added to the list of historic observations. These reports were obtained by chance and show the importance of citizen science in obtaining data on rare marine species. The information gathered goes towards a better understanding of the distribution of the species in the Mediterranean Sea.

Keywords

Mediterranean Sea; Cetacea; distribution; citizen science

Hrčak ID:

261077

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/261077

Publication date:

31.7.2021.

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