SKULL
Geography
New Glasgow, Prince Edward Island, Canada
Dimensions29 x 67 x 46 cm (11 7/16 x 26 3/8 x 18 1/8 in.)
Object numberHF.2014.01.14
DescriptionThe skull of a pilot whale. The top of the skull is flat, protruding to a long narrow front. The front has a triangular notch in between a the two halves of bone with a long indentation towards the back. The back is rounded with a smooth surface. A hole is at the center back, framed by two semicircular protrusions. Two large holes are present on the back sides, right and left. The interior has many seams, holes, notches and channels within the skull. The outer edge of the jaw has square shaped indentations - 9 on the left, 11 on the right. The entire surface of the skull is very porous. Associated objects: HF.2014.01.19-21 (vertebrae), HF.2014.01.22-25 (ribs) and HF.2014.01.26-27 (jaw bones).
Narrative
Long-finned Pilot Whales (Globicephala melas) are the third most common species of cetacean in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence and historically has been the second most common species of whale stranded on PEI shores.? Pilot whales prefer water temperatures between 0-25 degrees and have been found to move inshore towards Atlantic Canada in summer and autumn seasons. They commonly travel in groups of 20-100, although larger groups have also been recorded. Pilot Whales have also been found within mixed groups with other cetaceans.?
Pilot Whales are a highly social species and live in matrilineal groups. Male Pilot Whales will temporarily leave their natal groups to mate, but will return and remain with their matrilineal group where for their remaining lifetime. Males live for an average of 30-45 years while females may live for 60 years.? It is thought that the longer lifespan of female Long-finned Pilot Whales contributes to the transfer of knowledge between subsequent generations.?
Harvesting of whales, including Pilot Whales was banned off the east coast of Canada in 1972. Long-finned Pilot Whales feed primarily on cephalopods as well as cod, mackerel, herring, hake and turbot.? Because of their diet, Pilot Whales are often entangled in fishing gear throughout the Northeast.?
