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        Sperm whales

        Sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) are the biggest toothed whales, one of the biggest cetaceans in the Mediterranean Sea and the biggest predator of the Planet. Like all large cetaceans, this species is an important bio-indicator, and its monitoring is essential in order to assess the health of the marine ecosystem. Unfortunately, the Mediterranean sub population of sperm whales is decreasing, and this species is considered ENDANGERED.

        Threats

        catture accidentali

        Entanglement in driftnet

        traffico navale

        Marine traffic

        inquinamento acustico

        Underwater noise

        Their large tails emerge before a long and deep dive and are characterized by unique particular signs, which allow us to identify every single sperm whale encountered. So far, 25 sperm whales have been identified in the Gulf of Taranto, but there is still much to discover about their presence in our area, as well as their migration patterns. With each contribution donated to the LARGE CETACEAN campaign:

        - we will carry out one day at sea aimed at searching for sperm whales, Cuvier’s beaked whales, and pilot whales
        - part of the proceedings will be used for the maintenance and purchase of equipment (cameras, hydrophones, etc.)
        - we will collect important data to produce scientific
        - the results of our campaigns will be shared through various communication channels in order to raise awareness, in the whole community, about the conservation of these large mammals.

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