. The Canadian field-naturalist. 1990 HOUSTON: Status of Hubbs' Beaked Whale 123 160 140 120 100 aO 60 40 20 0. Figure 2. Distribution of Hubbs' Beaked Whale. The linear scars on the bodies of adult males have been attributed to aggressive use of the teeth by other males of the same species (Heyning 1984). Heyning suggests that the structure of the teeth has evolved in relation to social interactions involving the establishment of breeding territories rather than for the acquisition and manipulation of food items. Stomach contents retrieved from stranded specimens suggest a diet of squid and f
. The Canadian field-naturalist. 1990 HOUSTON: Status of Hubbs' Beaked Whale 123 160 140 120 100 aO 60 40 20 0. Figure 2. Distribution of Hubbs' Beaked Whale. The linear scars on the bodies of adult males have been attributed to aggressive use of the teeth by other males of the same species (Heyning 1984). Heyning suggests that the structure of the teeth has evolved in relation to social interactions involving the establishment of breeding territories rather than for the acquisition and manipulation of food items. Stomach contents retrieved from stranded specimens suggest a diet of squid and fish (Mead et al. 1982). No information is available on internal parasites or diseases. Externally, the species may be parasitized by the copepod Penella (Ivashin and Golubovsky 1978) and possibly balanomorph and lepadomorph barnacles (Mead et al. 1982). Limiting Factors None known. Rarity is the present main protection of the species, in concert with a distribution in less frequented waters and unexploited food species. Special Significance of the Species Hubbs' Beaked Whale has only recently been described (Moore 1963) and can easily be confused with other members of the genus, particularly Stejneger's Beaked Whale and Andrew's Beaked Whale {Mesoplodon bowdoini) where the ranges overlap (Watson 1981). The species is not known to have been hunted, although occasional specimens might be taken during other fishing operations. None has been reported in captivity, but study of captive individuals, if possible, would provide useful information, otherwise difficult to obtain in the wild. The only parts and derivatives that would be likely to appear in trade would be scientific specimens. It is unlikely that such a rare species could support a fishery or would be of commercial interest. Evaluation The species is a member of the pelagic fauna of the Pacific waters of Canada. Although nothing is known of its habit or life history in Canadian waters, it appears to be a rare component of
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