Sperm Whales - Life in Southern Australian Waters

One hundred and fifteen sperm whales were involved in three mass stranding events during the month of February 1998 along the west and north-west coastlines of Tasmania, Australia. Three mass strandings of this species in such close temporal proximity have not been reported in this area before, and this is the first time that data have been comprehensively collected from complete or near-complete groups of sperm whales from Tasmanian waters. Aspects of the demographics, growth, diet, body condition and pollutant loads are investigated, providing valuable insights into the lives of these creatures and the evolution of life history traits in this species. This body of work provides essential information for the regional management of this species and more generally provides a unique insight into the lives of these amazing marine creatures.