Group formation: Matrifocal groups (5-15) several matrilineal groups (size 50-200)
Size: males 7.8m, females 58mv calf 1.8m
Weight: males 2_3tons, females 1.3tons, calf 100kg
Age: males 40 yrs, females 60 yrs
Sexual maturity: males 12-15 yrs, females 6-15 yrs
Gestation: 12-15mths, 3-5 yrs in between births
Weaning: 27 months or longer (up to 10 years)
Diet: squid (cephalopods) and some fish
Distribution: Two sub-species North Atlantic (Globicephala melas melas) widespread to at least 680 N, and the Southern
Hemisphere (Globicephala melas edwardii) from 19—60' S They do not share the warmer waters with short-finned pilot whales.
Norway: all along the Nomegian coast, seen regularly inside the VestfJord_ High peak season from May-September for group
gatherings, breeding and feeding.
Conservation Status: Data Deficient ver 3.1, Pop. trend: unknown
Threats: whaling (Faeroe Islands, Japan, Greenland), plastic and chemical pollution, man-made noise impacts (seismic surveys,
military sonar), entanglement in fishing gear, over fishing, captivity.
Here are videos from pilot whales taken in the VestfJord during our research trips: