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 (Orcinus orca) 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 (Dermochelys coriacea). 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.

Citation: Bolanos, J. 2010. Killer whales occurrences in Venezuelan waters 1982-2008. Version 1.0.0. Dataset published in OBIS-SEAMAP. https://doi.org/10.82144/bef0a43f.

Published: October 07, 2025 at 22:52

URL: http://ipt.env.duke.edu/resource?r=zd_522