VERTEBRAE
Geography
New Glasgow, Prince Edward Island, Canada
Dimensions.19: 8 x 28 x 29 cm (3 1/8 x 11 x 11 7/16 in.)
.20: 4 x 20 x 21 cm (1 9/16 x 7 7/8 x 8 1/4 in.)
.21: 8 x 18 x 20 cm (3 1/8 x 7 1/16 x 7 7/8 in.)
Object numberHF.2014.01.19-21
DescriptionThree vertebrae from a pilot whale. Each has 3 paddle-like projections extend from three sides of the exterior walls. The top and bottom each have fine, concentric rings on the outer half with a slightly incised circle at the center. Associated objects: HF.2014.01.14 (skull), 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.
