Killer whales occurrences in Venezuelan waters 1982-2008

Original provider:
Jaime Bolaños-Jiménez

Dataset credits:
Jaime Bolaños-Jiménez

Abstract:
Reported occurrences of the killer whale (<i>Orcinus orca</i>) off Venezuela are scarce. Eighteen records were opportunistically collected from April 1982 through January 2008. Bottom depth for the sightings was 10-1,500 m (mean = 444 + SD = 405; mode = 400, n = 18). Five records had available associated still photographs or video. Noteworthy was a videotaped attack by two killer whales on a leatherback turtle (<i>Dermochelys coriacea</i>). Group size ranged from 1-5 individuals (mean = 2.67 + SD = 1.57; mode = 1, n = 18). Adult males were present during 67% of reported sightings; females/juveniles were present in 61% (n = 12 and 11, respectively). Pictures of two male killer whales were sent to researchers in Brazil and the Bahamas for comparison purposes. Adult males were present in 92% of reported sightings. Females and juveniles were observed during 67% of reported sightings. 83% of the records were from December through May. There is currently not enough information to speculate on any seasonality to the occurrence of this species in Venezuelan waters.