Pygmy and Dwarf Whales in Hawaii
"They're encountered so infrequently that any particular population of the species could be dramatically declining and we would never know it. That's one of the problems with very rare species." Robin Baird
PYGMY KILLER WHALE (Feresa attenuata): Pygmy killer whales though rarely seen overall, are been
observed several times a year off our lee shore
of Oahu. Through photo id's taken here, they (unlike pygmy killer whales anywhere else in the world) seem to be
"regular" residents - never leaving the coastline.
Their stable, long-term relationships resemble the social behaviors of killer whales and pilot whales, with many forming bonds with other individuals for at least 15 years. There are probably between 50 and 200 individuals in Hawaii's waters.
Hawaii's group is the only known case of a pygmy killer whale population that remains isolated in one area and doesn't venture out to the open ocean. On average, they are spotted about 4-6 miles from Hawaii shores. The furthest offshore sighting to date was out 9.3 miles.
When a number of Pygmy Killers were brought into captivity in Hawaii and South Africa they were extremely aggressive, killing or attacking everything that was in or entered their pen — even killing one another. Hmm... let's keep them wild, shall we?
At the water's surface, pygmy killer whales may be quite social and acrobatic, leaping, spy hopping, tail slapping, and occasionally bowriding. More frequently they are resting- or 'logging' - where a group floats at the surface of the water, each animal still, rather like logs! 
Pygmy Killer Whales play in front of video camera (Quicktime video)
Pygmy Killer Whales in Hawaii Photos
Field ID:
Robust body, Small size, Bulbous forehead, lacks a beak, White "lips", chin, and belly; under slung jaw, Dark cape; Tall dorsal fin, sub-triangular, long based, lacks rigidity, often inclining to the side; White scratches and scars, The skull is asymmetrical and the right jaw is smaller and usually has one less tooth than the left jaw. More photos of pygmy killer whales taken during Wild Side charters.
Impacts to Hawaii Pygmy Killer Whales:
There are very few, probably less than 200 individuals, in this distinct pygmy killer whale population off the islands. The population's limited number make it more vulnerable than other whale populations to potentially harmful human behavior,
There have been no reports of a pygmy killer whale dying as a result of Hawaii's long-line tuna and swordfish fishery. But the mouth of a pygmy killer whale stranded on Oahu in 2006 had hook and line marks, indicating fishing lines affect the animals.
There has been no documented case of a pygmy killer whale being hurt by sonar. But there's low probability anyone would be able to document such harm given the whales are so rare and because they generally spend their time miles offshore.
PYGMY SPERM WHALE (Kogia breviceps):
Dwarf and Pygmy Sperm Whale
DWARF SPERM WHALE (Kogia sima): (2005) Dr. Robin Baird reports that dwarf
sperm whales are the sixth most
commonly sighted odontocete around
the main Hawaiian islands. This species’
small size, tendency to avoid vessels,
and deep-diving habits, make finding them a true treasure.
Sighting Notes: Similar in appearance to the pygmy sperm whale, but has a larger dorsal fin, generally set nearer the middle of the back. Also, the dwarf sperm whale’s blowhole is positioned further forward.
The dwarf sperm whale has a shark-like profile (but with a more pointed snout than the pygmy sperm whale), gray and white countershading, and a light pigment block resembling a shark's gill slit on the side of its head. Generally, a pair of short grooves similar to those in beaked whales is present on the 
throat. It has contains spermaceti in its melon.
Adults of this species are up to 2.7 m long and may weigh up to 272 kg. Length at birth is about 1 m.
Group sizes tend to be small, most often less than five individuals (although groups of up to 10 have been recorded). This species, like the pygmy sperm whale, is shy and undemonstrative when observed at sea. They often drift motionless at the surface. When startled, dwarf sperm whales may leave a large rust-colored cloud of fecal material behind as they dive. In at least one area, there appears to be a calving peak in summer.
Our wildlife tours focus on education and conservation with
encounters conducted in the best interest of
both humans and wildlife. We model admiration and deep respect for
these wonderful mammals.
Links
to Whales, Dolphins and other marine mammals
Humpback Whales l Sperm Whales l Beaked Whales l Pygmy Whales l Pilot Whales l Melon-headed Whales l False Killer Whales l Monk
Seals | Dolphins in Hawaii l Sea Turtles l Albatross l Coral Spawning l Manta
and Spotted Eagle Rays l Sharks
of Hawaii | Snapping Shrimp NEW
Whale and Dolphin Research l Marine WIldlife Tours | Photos l Other Resources l
Wild
Side Specialty Tours
Tours
with Integrity - on the island of Oahu:
Waianae Boat Harbor
Oahu Hawaii 96792 (near Ko Olina Resort)
TEL (808) 306-7273
FAX (808) 668-4075
email: reservations@sailhawaii.com
