Mitochondrial genetic variation in false killer whale groups (Pseudorca crassidens) from the Mexican Pacific reveal strong regional differentiation

Abstract

Information on diversity and genetic structure of cetaceans can be useful to define conservation units, through considering both the existence of substantial reproductive isolation of population segments of a species, or by understanding the importance of that population segment in the evolutionary history of the species (Kraft et al., 2020;

First identification of stereotyped whistle contour types by Pseudorca crassidens

“…Acoustic recordings were obtained opportunistically from a coastal/inshore false killer whale group, living seasonally in Mexican Pacific waters, close to La Paz Bay (Figure 1) in the southwestern Gulf of California (Blanco-Jarvio et al, 2023). On April 10, 2023, a group of approximately 20 individuals, known to have been previously photographed in the same area (Figure 2) was sighted from a boat (with engines off).…”

“…It is important to continuously monitor the acoustics of this false killer whale population, in Mexico and other locations, to confirm our results and deepen knowledge about this species' individual recognition, cognitive skills, long-term stability, and other interesting SW aspects. Moreover, research about the individual recognition skills of these animals could provide valuable information for the yet limited understanding of this species' social structure (Kratofil et al, 2020;Martien et al, 2019), in La Paz Bay, especially because recent genetic evidence shows unique haplotypes for this population (Blanco-Jarvio et al, 2023).…”