Why in news?
In late October 2025 more than two dozen pilot whales died after they stranded themselves at Twilight Beach in New Zealand. Local Māori leaders declared a rahui (a temporary ban on activities) to allow the community to mourn and to recover the bodies. Such events draw attention to the vulnerability of these social marine mammals and the challenges of preventing strandings.
Background
Pilot whales are among the largest members of the dolphin family. Two species exist: the short‑finned pilot whale (Globicephala macrorhynchus) inhabits tropical and warm‑temperate seas, while the long‑finned pilot whale (G. melas) lives in colder temperate and sub‑polar waters. Both species have a bulbous forehead, a short snout and long, pointed flippers. Adults can measure 4–6 metres in length, and males are generally larger than females. They travel in tight‑knit pods of 20–100 individuals and sometimes gather in large aggregations of several thousand whales. Their diet consists mainly of squid and small fish.
Why do strandings occur?
- Shallow‑water navigation: Pilot whales use echolocation to navigate. In gently sloping bays and sandy beaches, their sonar may not detect the shoreline effectively, causing them to become disoriented and stranded.
- Strong social bonds: These whales are highly social and will follow a pod leader or respond to distress calls. If one individual becomes stranded, others may remain nearby and strand themselves rather than abandon a companion.
- Environmental factors: Changing currents, tides, extreme weather and human‑made noise can contribute to navigational errors. In some cases, disease or parasites may weaken animals and make them more susceptible to stranding.
Conservation issues
- Frequent events: Mass strandings of pilot whales occur regularly in New Zealand and Australia. Rescue efforts often involve volunteers and conservationists, but success rates vary.
- Cultural practices: Māori communities treat stranded whales with respect. A rahui is declared to close beaches temporarily while elders perform rituals and dispose of carcasses appropriately.
- Research and monitoring: Scientists study stranding events to identify patterns and causes, which helps refine rescue techniques and informs marine conservation policies.
Conclusion
Pilot whales are remarkable creatures with complex social structures. While mass strandings cannot always be prevented, understanding whale behaviour and reducing human disturbances can minimise future tragedies. Community involvement and cultural traditions also play a crucial role in responding to these events.
Source: DD News