Research of a Globicephala nielas individual stranded in III Region and revision of record of the genus for Chile

Abstract

The in situ necropsy, among other evidences, achieved in one specimen o f Globicephala melas, of two animals stranded in the shore of III Region of Chile (February 1999), had shown that the animal was wounded by a hand harpoon from a fishermen vessel and then, perhaps killed by shots by a local person from coastal comunity, on January 26 or 27. The place was patrolled on the same area and date in order to know the human beings involved in this act. In this paper the carcass removal fastness is discussed, its consequences on the activities research and the implication that these works have respect conservation topics involving those species called "insufficiently known". Dentinal analysis were performed using the acid etching technique, ratifying that the growth is axial, and reached at early stages. More than 12 years was determined for specimen GPSV- 008 and two years old for MNHN-1495. The records of the Globicephala species in Chilean waters were reviewed, including the results of scientific research cruises and material housed in scientific collections. The records were 18 sightings (43%), 21 samples (50%) in scientific collections and 3 strandings (7%). In respect to the recorded individuals, numbers and proportions were: Globicephala sp, 203 (43%); G. melas 266 (56%), and G. macrorhynchus 4 (1%). Presumptively due to the lacking of observers and climatic conditions during the cruising, the geographic distribution lacks of sighting between 35° and 54° South. Apparently, G. melas is present all along the country, likewise G. macrorhyncha is restricted to the north central areas.