Problem
Threatened species of Kogia
Nature:
Occasionally this species is found in fish markets for human consumption in Indonesia and Japan, as well as being sporadically taken in the subsistence fisheries in the Caribbean and West Indies. Stranded specimens have often been reported to have plastic bags in their stomachs, which prevent the digestion of food, and ultimately lead to starvation. The plastic bags are most likely similar acoustically and visually to some of their preferred prey such as jellyfish and are mistakenly consumed. The pygmy sperm whale and its relative dwarf sperm whale are the second most commonly stranded cetacean in the south eastern U.S., next to the bottlenosed dolphin. Despite efforts to help sick or injured pygmy sperm whales back to health, nearly all have not survived in captivity. The 1981 record remained at 25 days until 1994 when, after six months, a healthy juvenile pygmy sperm whale was released off the coast of Florida.
Broader Problems:
Threatened species of Physeteridae Subject(s):
Societal Problems → Endangered speciesRelated UN Sustainable Development Goals:
Problem Type:
E: Emanations of other problems Date of last update
23.09.2020 – 22:08 CEST