Pygmy right whale<i>Caperea marginata</i>records from Namibia

Leeney, Ruth H.; Post, Klaas; Best, Peter B.; Hazevoet, C.J.; Elwen, Simon Harvey

doi:10.2989/1814232x.2013.769903

Cited by 3 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 14 publications

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“…In juvenile Caperea , the blowhole is not obviously raised above the profile of the head, as can be seen in lateral view (Leeney et al. : figs 2 and 4; Fig. S1).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 69%

“…Underwater photos do not show the blowholes elevated (Ross et al 1975: figs 1-5). In juvenile Caperea, the blowhole is not obviously raised above the profile of the head, as can be seen in lateral view (Leeney et al 2013: figs 2 and 4; S1). The rostrum has a low median ridge rostral to the nares which bifurcates (about 32 mm before the blowholes) into V-shaped ridges that diverge steeply caudally, lateral to each blowhole (DSC5216) (Supporting Information Fig.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 82%

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Anatomy of nasal complex in the southern right whale, Eubalaena australis (Cetacea, Mysticeti)

et al. 2014

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The nasal region of the skull has undergone dramatic changes during the course of cetacean evolution. In particular, mysticetes (baleen whales) conserve the nasal mammalian pattern associated with the secondary function of olfaction, and lack the sound-producing specializations present in odontocetes (toothed whales, dolphins and porpoises). To improve our understanding of the morphology of the nasal region of mysticetes, we investigate the nasal anatomy, osteology and myology of the southern right whale, Eubalaena australis, and make comparisons with other mysticetes. In E. australis external deflection surfaces around the blowholes appear to divert water off the head, and differ in appearance from those observed in balaenopterids, eschrichtiids and cetotherids. In E. australis the blowholes are placed above hypertrophied nasal soft tissues formed by fat and nasal muscles, a pattern also observed in balaenopterids (rorqual mysticetes) and a cetotherid (pygmy right whale, Caperea marginata). Blowhole movements are due to the action of five nasofacial muscles: dilator naris superficialis, dilator naris profundus, depressor alae nasi, constrictor naris, and retractor alae nasi. The dilator naris profundus found in E. australis has not been previously reported in balaenopterids. The other nasofacial muscles have a similar arrangement in balaenopterids, with minor differences. A novel structure, not reported previously in any mysticete, is the presence of a vascular tissue (rete mirabile) covering the lower nasal passage. This vascular tissue could play a role in warming inspired air, or may engorge to accommodate loss of respiratory space volume due to gas compression from increased pressure during diving.

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“…In juvenile Caperea , the blowhole is not obviously raised above the profile of the head, as can be seen in lateral view (Leeney et al. : figs 2 and 4; Fig. S1).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 69%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 82%

Anatomy of nasal complex in the southern right whale, Eubalaena australis (Cetacea, Mysticeti)

et al. 2014

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“…The Bryde's whale is one of few baleen whale species that inhabit warm waters year-round (Best 2001), and its seasonal movements in Angolan waters more likely relate to prey availability. Although there are no confirmed records to date in Angola, three additional baleen whale species may be recorded in the future including two documented elsewhere from warm Atlantic Ocean waters (Common minke whale Balaenoptera acutorostrata and Omura's whale B. omuraii) and one cool water species that has been recorded further south off northern Namibia (19°28′S; pygmy right whale Caperea marginata; Leeney et al 2013) and could extend into the Benguela-influenced waters of southern Angola.…”

Section: Baleen Whalesmentioning

confidence: 97%

The Cetaceans (Whales and Dolphins) of Angola

Weir¹

2019

Biodiversity of Angola

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The history of whale and dolphin (cetacean) research in Angolan waters is scant. Prior to the 2000s it primarily consisted of information from historical (1700s to the 1920s) and modern (1920s-1970s) whaling catches, from which baleen whales and the sperm whale were confirmed. Very few species were added to Angola's cetacean checklist between the whaling era and the 2000s. However, observations since 2003 have confirmed Angola as a range state for at least 28 species, comprising seven baleen whales, two sperm whale species, at least two beaked whales, and at least 17 delphinids. There is potential for approximately seven more species to be identified in the region based on their known worldwide distributions. Angola has one of the most diverse cetacean faunas in Africa, and indeed worldwide, due to its varied seabed topography and transitional ocean climate which supports both (sub)tropical species and those associated with the Benguela Current. While no cetacean species are truly endemic to Angola, the country is one of few confirmed range states for the Critically Endangered Atlantic humpback dolphin and the Benguela-endemic Heaviside's dolphin. Those species, together with endangered baleen whales and breeding populations of sperm and humpback whales, are highlighted as conservation priorities.

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