Diet and mitochondrial DNA haplotype of a sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) found dead off Jurong Island, Singapore.

ABSTRACT: Despite numerous studies across the large geographic range of the sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus), little is known about the diet and mitochondrial DNA haplotypes of this strongly female philopatric species in waters off Southeast Asia. A female sperm whale found dead in Singapore waters provided the opportunity to study her diet and mitochondrial DNA haplotype. Here we report on the identification of stomach contents and mitochondrial DNA haplotype of this individual, and we include coastal hydrodynamic modelling to determine the possible geographic origin of the whale. At least 28 species of prey were eaten by this adult female whale, most of which were cephalopods. The mesopelagic squids Taonius pavo, Histioteuthis pacifica, Chiroteuthis imperator,and Ancistrocheir

SUBMITTER: Chua MAH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6452849 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature