Presence of false killer whale (Pseudorca crassidens) in the south Pacific of Costa Rica

Principal investigator: David Palacios-Alfaro dpalacios@fundacionketo.org and Damián Martínez-Fernández dmartinez@fundacionketo.org.

False killer whales has been reported in the Pacific waters of Costa Rica, most of the sightings are from coastal areas in the southern pacific of the country (Drake Bay, Golfo Dulce and Caño Island). However, few studies had been carried out regarding to this species. Most of cetaceans studies in Costa Rica are focused on bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), pantropical spotted dolphin (Stenella attenuata) and humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae ).

The aim of this study is to determine population estimates of false killer whales within the Pacific waters of Costa Rica, starting at the Osa Peninsula. To do this, a photo ID catalogue was started in 2005, in which different individuals are added every year.