Life History Parameters, Sociobiology, and Reproductive Strategies of Pilot Whales

Abstract

Two species of pilot whales are globally distributed, the long-finned (Globicephala melas) in cold-temperate waters and the short-finned (G. macrorhynchus) in tropical and warm-temperate latitudes. Two subspecies of the long-finned pilot whale are recognized, G. m. melas in the North Atlantic and G. m. edwardii in the Southern Hemisphere. In addition, three types have been proposed in short-finned pilot whales. In general, it is assumed that pilot whales live in matrilineal societies composed of stable units/pods displaying bisexual natal philopatry, but inter-and intraspecific variabilities in the sociality of these units have been described worldwide. Moreover, there is inter-and intraspecific hetero-geneity in life history and reproductive parameters, which supports geographic variation. To investigate life history parameters, sociobiology, and reproductive strategies within different populations of pilot whales, we reviewed the current literature and compiled novel data. We cover populations from both hemispheres and combine life history characteristics from strandings with field-/behavioral-based information such as long-term photographic-identification, social analysis with molecular sexing, and drone technology. This chapter contributes to improving our knowledge of the life history parameters between sexes and populations, inter-actions between animals of different sexes within units, social structures, and reproductive strategies in pilot whales. We explore pilot whales’ sexual group dynamics and social system and discuss whether they are strictly matrilineal in comparison with other “matrilineal” species.