Sperm Whales: Life in Southern Australian Waters

One hundred and fifteen sperm whales were involved inthree mass stranding events during the month ofFebruary 1998 along the west and north-westcoastlines of Tasmania, Australia. Three massstrandings of this species in such close temporalproximity have not been reported in this area before,and this is the first time that data have beencomprehensively collected from complete ornear-complete groups of sperm whales from Tasmanianwaters. Aspects of the demographics, growth, diet,body condition and pollutant loads are investigated,providing valuable insights into the lives of thesecreatures and the evolution of life history traits inthis species. This body of work provides essentialinformation for the regional management of thisspecies and more generally provides a unique insightinto the lives of these amazing marine creatures.