Histopathology of eighth cranial nerve of mass stranded dolphins at Goto Islands, Japan.

We examined four dolphins (Grampus griseus) of 582 mass-stranded. Almost no contents were found in the alimentary canal. Nasitrema gondo and Crassicauda grampicola were found in the tympanic cavity. Severe degeneration of the eighth cranial nerve was observed microscopically in all animals and an egg of Nasitrema was found in a tissue crevice of the nerve. We propose that the nerves were damaged directly by Nasitrema.     

SPERM WHALE PHYLOGENY REVISITED: ANALYSIS OF THE MORPHOLOGICAL EVIDENCE

Some recent analyses of three mitochondrial DNA regions suggest that sperm whales are the sister group to baleen whales and, therefore, the suborder Odontoceti (toothed whales) constitutes a paraphyletic group. I cladistically analyzed the available morphological data, including that from relevant fossil taxa, for all families of extant cetaceans to test this hypothesis. The results of this analysis unambiguously support a monophyletic Odontoceti including the sperm whales. All synapomorphies that support the Odontoceti node are decisive, not related to the evolution of highly correlated characters, and provide the same result regardless of what order of mammals is used as an outgroup. These numerous, anatomically diverse, and unambiguous characters make this clade one of the best-supported higher-level groupings among mammals. In addition, the fossil evidence refutes a sperm whale/baleen whale clade. Both the molecular and morphological data produce the same unrooted tree. The improper rooting of the molecular tree appears to be producing these seemingly incongruent phylogenies.     

THREE MASS STRANDINGS OF SPERM WHALES (PHYSETER MACROCEPHALUS) IN SOUTHERN AUSTRALIAN WATERS

One hundred and fifteen sperm whales (97 female, 15 male, 3 unknown sex) were involved in three mass stranding events during the month of February 1998 along the west and northwest coastlines of Tasmania, Australia. Sixty-six of these whales stranded at Ocean Beach, Strahan; 35 at Greens Beach, Marrawah; and 11 at Black River Beach, Stanley. The remaining whales stranded singly along the coastline. Three mass strandings of this species in such close temporal proximity have not been reported in this area before, and this is the first time that data have been comprehensively collected from complete or near-complete groups of sperm whales from Tasmanian waters. Adult females dominated the three stranding groups. Total lengths ranged from 417 to 1,200 cm and ages ranged from 0.75 to 64 yr. Four females were lactating and four fetuses were found amongst the groups. Stomach contents were dominated by pelagic cephalopods.     

A mass stranding of seven Longman's beaked whales (Indopacetus pacificus) in New Caledonia,South Pacific

Seven Longman's beaked whales (Indopacetus pacificus) stranded together in southern New Caledonia on 16 November 2013 (one adult male, two adult females, two subadult females, one calf, and one unknown). At this time, we have no evidence to suggest that this event was an “atypical” mass stranding associated with active naval sonar or other anthropogenic activities. The adult females were slightly larger (618–640 cm) than the adult male (590 cm). The length of the calf (ca. 300 cm) suggests it was less than a year old. Five of the whales were sampled for mitochondrial (mt) DNA analysis to confirm species identification. All shared the same haplotype over 680 bp of the mtDNA control region. High concentrations of Hg, Fe, Se, Zn (all in the liver), and Cd (in the kidneys) were detected. Necropsies revealed plastic debris in the stomach of two of the whales. One of these same whales had chronic gastritis while the other had acute pleurisy and also tested positive for morbillivirus. This infection may have been a major factor behind this mass stranding event.     

Stejneger's beaked whale strandings in Alaska, 1995–2020

Presented here is the first comprehensive and updated compilation of history, distribution, and findings of Stejneger's beaked whales (Mesoplodon stejnegeri) in Alaska. Stejneger's beaked whales are a poorly understood, elusive, deep-diving cetacean species found in the North Pacific Ocean. Since Stejneger's beaked whale strandings data in Alaska through 1994 were last published, 35 additional strandings have been documented. Twenty-seven animals stranded in the Aleutian Islands, seven stranded in Southcentral Alaska, and one animal stranded on St. Lawrence Island. Twenty-two carcasses were necropsied, but only four were fresh. Seventeen of the 22 died during mass stranding events and cause of death could not be definitively determined. Barotrauma was suspected in three cases and infectious disease possibly complicated by barotrauma occurred in two cases. We documented an expansion of strandings into the northern Bering Sea, characterized a sex bias, examined stomach contents that included macroplastic, and identified parasites not previously associated with Stejneger's beaked whales. Also included are data on the largest known mass stranding of Stejneger's beaked whales, which occurred on Adak Island in 2018. The history, distribution, and findings presented here are central to further our understanding of this species.     

Hearing loss in stranded odontocete dolphins and whales

The causes of dolphin and whale stranding can often be difficult to determine. Because toothed whales rely on echolocation for orientation and feeding, hearing deficits could lead to stranding. We report on the results of auditory evoked potential measurements from eight species of odontocete cetaceans that were found stranded or severely entangled in fishing gear during the period 2004 through 2009. Approximately 57% of the bottlenose dolphins and 36% of the rough-toothed dolphins had significant hearing deficits with a reduction in sensitivity equivalent to severe (70-90 dB) or profound (>90 dB) hearing loss in humans. The only stranded short-finned pilot whale examined had profound hearing loss. No impairments were detected in seven Risso's dolphins from three different stranding events, two pygmy killer whales, one Atlantic spotted dolphin, one spinner dolphin, or a juvenile Gervais' beaked whale. Hearing impairment could play a significant role in some cetacean stranding events, and the hearing of all cetaceans in rehabilitation should be tested.     

鲸类分子系统学研究进展

综述了近年来分子生物学标记技术在鲸类系统学研究中的进展。分子生物学证据支持鲸目与有蹄类之间有较近的亲缘关系,并支持鲸类的单系起源,但鲸类不同类群(须鲸类、抹香鲸类及不包括抹香鲸类的齿鲸类)之间的系统发生关系仍存在争议。抹香鲸类到底与须鲸类还是与其它齿鲸类有更近的亲缘关系,不同的分子生物学家所得到的结果并不一致。此外,分子生物学技术还被用于解决须鲸亚目和齿鲸亚目内科间以及科内种间的系统发生关系,特别是齿鲸亚目的海豚科、鼠豚科和淡水豚类。通过分子标记技术来研究鲸类种下的遗传结构是鲸类分子系统学研究中的一个新热点,使用的标记主要是mtDNA控制区、核DNA微卫星和主要组织相容性复合体(major histo-compatibilitv complex,MHC)等。     

Regeneration of the eighth nerve fibers after transection in the red-eared turtle,Chrysemys scripta elegans

The present study examined the time sequence of degeneration and regeneration after transection of the eighth nerve in the red-eared turtle as well as the chromatolytic reaction of the turtle auditory ganglion cells. Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) transport between auditory ganglion cells and the medulla identified eighth nerve connections. The course of eighth nerve degeneration was followed with Fink and Heimer degeneration stain and HRP reaction. Cresyl-violet-stained sections through auditory ganglion cells were observed for chromatolysis. Degeneration by-product was intense in the eighth nerve and primary auditory nuclei in turtles surviving 25 and 32 days after eighth nerve transection. Turtles surviving 45 days or less after eighth nerve transection showed HRP reaction product in the eighth nerve to the point of its dorsolateral penetration into the medulla following cochlear duct injections. Acoustic tubercle injections in 50-day survivors showed HRP filling in eighth nerve and auditory ganglion cells. Cochlear duct injections in 67-day survivors demonstrated HRP filling in the eighth nerve and acoustic tubercle. Sections stained for degeneration in 67-day survivors showed little or no degeneration by-product and 80- and 90-day survivors showed none. The proportion of chromatolytic auditory ganglion cells was greatest in the 50-day postoperative turtles when compared to control turtles and other survival stages. Animals which survived longer than 50 days had reduced numbers of chromatolytic cells. Results suggest that the eighth nerve fibers are regenerated to primary brainstem auditory nuclei in experimental turtles surviving 50 days or more. Regeneration occurs between the 45th and 50th day following transection.     

THE SYNTHESIS OF ACETYLCHOLINE BY THE OLIVOCOCHLEAR BUNDLE

Abstract— Choline acetyltransferase (ChAc; EC 2.3.1.6) was assayed in the membranous cochlea and in the eighth cranial nerve (both the vestibular and cochlear components) from the point where it leaves the brain stem to the internal auditory meatus of the cat. To determine the contribution of the efferent innervation of the cochlea to this enzymatic activity both eighth nerves and both membranous cochleae were assayed at 17–29 days following section of the right, crossed and uncrossed olivo-cochlear bundles (OCB) in the cat. The lesion was produced along the right sulcus limitans on the floor of the fourth ventricle. The left eighth nerves and cochleae served as controls in the ChAc assay. There was a significant decrease in ChAc activity in the right cochlea and eighth nerve after OCB section and degeneration. The mean activity of ChAc in the right cochleae of the 6 operated cats was 15 ± 7 μg of ACh formed. h⁻¹ (g wet wt. of tissue) ⁻¹ in comparison to the rate of all the intact cochleae of 156 ± 38 μg of ACh formed. h⁻¹. (g of tissue)⁻¹, a statistically significant difference ( P < 0005). The mean activity of ChAc in the right eighth nerves of the cats with OCB lesions was 30 ± 8 n-g of ACh formed. h⁻¹. (g of tissue)⁻¹in comparison to 91 ± 19 fig of ACh formed . h⁻¹. (g of tissue)⁻¹ found for intact eighth nerves. This difference was also significant ( P < 0005). Thus, section and degeneration of the crossed and uncrossed OCB reduce the activity of ChAc in the eighth nerve and membranous cochlea. This finding provides support for the hypothesis suggesting the cholinergic nature of olivo-cochlear transmission.     

The cardiac ventricles of a baleen whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata: Minke whale) and a toothed whale (Hyperoodon ampullatus: Bottlenose whale)

Fifteen minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata: Mysticeti) and three bottlenose whale (Hyperoodon ampullatus: Odontoceti) hearts were obtained from Norway. Only the ventricular mass and the base of the great arteries were available for study. The shape of the heart, the double apex, the narrowness of the interventricular septum in the dorsiventral plane, the side-to-side position of the ventricles, the relative thickness of the wall of the right ventricle, and the heavy trabeculation agree with other, brief reports of whale heart morphology. Coronary artery tortuosity, which has been described in sperm whales by others, was found in the bottlenose but not in the minke whales. It is suggested that the shape of the heart is associated with depth and duration of dives and that the pattern of trabeculation may be related to the size of the animal.     

MORBILLIVIRUS INFECTION IN TWO SPECIES OF PILOT WHALE (GLOBICEPHALA SP.) FROM THE WESTERN ATLANTIC

We report evidence of enzootic morbillivirus infection among long-finned, Globicephala melas, and short-finned, G. macrorhynchus, pilot whales in the western Atlantic. A retrospective serologic survey, using five morbilliviruses, was carried out on 99 G. melas from 14 stranding events between 1982 and 1993 and from 25 G. macrorhynchus stranded in 5 events between 1986 and 1994. A blood sample was also obtained from an adult G. melas by-caught in the western North Atlantic. Tissues were collected from 24 G. melas and 15 G. macrorhynchus for histology and immunoperoxidase staining. Neutralizing antibody titers were found in 92 (92%) of 100 G. melas and 16 (64%) of 25 G. macrorynchus, and titers were highest against cetacean morbilliviruses. Seroprevalence was similar between age classes and sexes. The earliest evidence of infection was in a G. melas that stranded in 1982. Stable antibody titers were observed in pilot whales under rehabilitation for up to eight months. Clinical disease consistent with morbillivirus pneumonia was detected in a G. melas calf. Immunoperoxidase staining confirmed that viral antigen was present in the lesions. We propose that enzootic infection in pilot whales is facilitated by population size, social structure, and migration patterns. Furthermore, through mixing with other odontocetes, pilot whales could act as vectors through the Atlantic. Clinical morbillivirus infection may precipitate mass strandings of highly social odontocetes.     

Whale tear glands in the bowhead and the beluga whales: Source and function

Orbital glands are found in many tetrapod vertebrates, and are usually separate structures, consisting of individual glands lying in the eyelids and both canthi of the orbit. In cetaceans, however, the orbital glandular units are less distinct and have been described by numerous authors as a single, periorbital mass. There are few histochemical and immunhistochemical studies to date of these structures. In this study, we examined the orbital glandular region of both the bowhead whale (Balaena mysticetus: Mysticeti) and the beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas: Odontoceti) using histological, histochemical, and immunohistochemical techniques. Histologically, in the bowhead, three glandular areas were noted (circumorbital, including Harderian and lacrimal poles), palpebral (midway in the lower eyelid), and rim (near the edge of the eyelid). In the beluga, there was only a large, continuous mass within the eyelid itself. Histochemical investigation suggests neither sexual dimorphism nor age-related differences, but both whales had two cell types freely intermingling with each other in all glandular masses. Large cells (cell type 1) were distended by four histochemically distinct intracellular secretory granules. Smaller cells (cell type 2) were not distended (fewer granules) and had two to three histochemically distinct intracellular secretory granules. The beluga orbital glands had additional lipid granules in cell type 1. Counterintuitively, both lipocalin and transferrin were localized to cell type 2 only. This intermingling of cell types is unusual for vertebrates in whom individual orbital glands usually have one cell type with one to two different secretory granules present. The heterogeneity of the orbital fluid produced by cetacean orbital glands implies a complex function, or series of functions, for these orbital glands and their role in producing the tear fluid.     

Spatial and temporal analysis of killer whale (Orcinus orca) strandings in the North Pacific Ocean and the benefits of a coordinated stranding response protocol

Killer whales (Orcinus orca) are widely distributed throughout the world's oceans, yet little has been documented about their stranding patterns. Knowledge of stranding patterns improves our ability to examine and sample carcasses and provides a foundation for understanding killer whale natural history, diet, reproduction, anthropogenic stressors, emerging diseases, and patterns of unusual mortality. We compiled published and unpublished killer whale stranding data to describe stranding patterns in the North Pacific Ocean. Between 1925 and 2011, 371 stranded killer whales were reported in Japan (20.4%), Russia (3.5%), Alaska (32.0%), British Columbia (27.4%), Washington (4.0%), Oregon (2.7%), California (5.1%), Mexico (3.8%), and Hawaii (0.8%). Strandings occurred at all times of year, but regionally specific seasonal differences were observed. Mortality and annual census data from Northern and Southern Resident populations were extrapolated to estimate that across the North Pacific, an average of 48 killer whales die annually. However, over the last two decades, an average of only 10 killer whale carcasses were recovered annually in this ocean, making each event a rare opportunity for study. Publication of a standardized killer whale necropsy protocol and dedicated funding facilitated the number of complete postmortem necropsies performed on stranded killer whales from 1.6% to 32.2% annually.     

Clonally Related Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Short-Finned Pilot Whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus), Human Volunteers, and a Bayfront Cetacean Rehabilitation Facility

In May of 2011, a live mass stranding of 26 short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) occurred in the lower Florida Keys. Five surviving whales were transferred from the original stranding site to a nearby marine mammal rehabilitation facility where they were constantly attended to by a team of volunteers. Bacteria cultured during the routine clinical care of the whales and necropsy of a deceased whale included methicillin-sensitive and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA and MRSA). In order to investigate potential sources or reservoirs of MSSA and MRSA, samples were obtained from human volunteers, whales, seawater, and sand from multiple sites at the facility, nearby recreational beaches, and a canal. Samples were collected on 3 days. The second collection day was 2 weeks after the first, and the third collection day was 2 months after the last animal was removed from the facility. MRSA and MSSA were isolated on each day from the facility when animals and volunteers were present. MSSA was found at an adjacent beach on all three collection days. Isolates were characterized by utilizing a combination of quantitative real-time PCR to determine the presence of mecA and genes associated with virulence, staphylococcal protein A typing, staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec typing, multilocus sequence typing, and pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Using these methods, clonally related MRSA were isolated from multiple environmental locations as well as from humans and animals. Non-identical but genetically similar MSSA and MRSA were also identified from distinct sources within this sample pool. PFGE indicated that the majority of MRSA isolates were clonally related to the prototype human strain USA300. These studies support the notion that S. aureus may be shed into an environment by humans or pilot whales and subsequently colonize or infect exposed new hosts.     

Spondylitic changes in long-finned pilot whales (Globicephala melas) stranded on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, USA, between 1982 and 2000

The primary bone pathology diagnoses recognized in cetacea are osteomyelitis and spondylosis deformans. In this study, we determined the prevalence, type, and severity of vertebral pathology in 52 pilot whales, a mass stranding species that stranded on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, between 1982 and 2000. Eleven whales (21%) had hyperostosis and ossification of tendon insertion points on and between vertebrae, chevron bones, and costovertebral joints, with multiple fused blocks of vertebrae. These lesions are typical of a group of interrelated diseases described in humans as spondyloarthropathies, specifically ankylosing spondylitis, which has not been fully described in cetacea. In severe cases, ankylosing spondylitis in humans can inhibit mobility. If the lesions described here negatively affect the overall health of the whale, these lesions may be a contributing factor in stranding of this highly sociable species.     

Notes on New Zealand mammals 6. Second report on the stomach contents of long‐finned pilot whales,Globicephala melas

Abstract

We report data on the stomach contents of the long‐finned pilot whale, Globicephala melas, recovered from a group of whales stranded on Ruakaka Beach, northeastern New Zealand, in November 2006. In nine whales for which identifiable stomach contents were recovered (three that stranded on 10 November and six that stranded on 11 November) prey remains comprised exclusively cephalopod beaks attributed to five squid species. The stomachs of a further two whales contained unidentifiable upper beaks only, while the stomachs of five whales were completely empty. No whale appeared to have been satiated immediately before stranding, given that the maximum biomass of prey recently consumed by any one whale was calculated to be <5 kg. All squids ingested represented oceanic species, found from 50 to 1000 m but more common towards the deeper end of this range. These data both complement and contrast with the only other dietary information available for this species in New Zealand waters, reported from stomach contents of whales stranded on Farewell Spit, South Island in December 2005.     

Life history and group composition of melon‐headed whales based on mass strandings in Japan

We examined melon‐headed whales that mass‐stranded live in two events in Japan: (1) 171 animals at Tanegashima Island in 2001 and (2) 85 animals at Hasaki in 2002. We report here the results of life history traits and group composition of these strandings, and compare them to another mass stranding with 135 individuals at Aoshima in 1982. In the Hasaki event, most stranded animals, including those released were sexed and measured. The proportion of live males released was much higher than that of females, and larger animals, especially females, were more likely to have died. Females were estimated to attain sexual maturity at around 7 yr and give birth every 3–4 yr. The sex ratio was significantly different between the Hasaki and Aoshima events. Among dead specimens, females of various age classes were included in all strandings, while age distribution of males varied considerably among strandings. This suggests females show group fidelity while males move between groups. Asymptotic body length of females from Hasaki was significantly smaller than that from Tanegashima, suggesting that more than one population of melon‐headed whales exist off Japan.     

Stomach contents of long‐finned pilot whales,Globicephala melas,mass‐stranded on Farewell Spit,Golden Bay in 2005 and 2008

Abstract

New data are reported on the diet of the long‐finned pilot whale, Globicephala melas, based on stomach contents recovered from whales involved in a mass stranding on Farewell Spit, Golden Bay, South Island, on 23 January 2008. The stomachs of 11 whales were examined, from which identifiable prey remains were recovered from six, four females and two males (3.1–5.4 m in length). Prey remains comprised exclusively cephalopod beaks (1–46 beaks per whale), attributed to two genera in two orders: arrow squid, Nototodarus spp. (Teuthoidea: Ommastrephidae), and common octopus, Pinnoctopus cordiformis (Octopoda: Octopodidae). The stomachs of eight whales were infested with parasitic nematodes, with two ulcerated; the stomachs of five whales did not contain any prey remains. These data complement and are comparable to the only other information available for this species from this region, reported from whales mass‐stranded at this same location in December 2005. Lower beak rostral length versus mantle length and biomass regression equations for Nototodarus spp. are reviewed, highlighting the importance of the use of species‐specific regression equations for reconstructing both cephalopod mantle length and biomass from lower beak remains in dietary studies.     

The Mitochondrial Genome of the Sperm Whale and a New Molecular Reference for Estimating Eutherian Divergence Dates

Extant cetaceans are systematically divided into two suborders: Mysticeti (baleen whales) and Odontoceti (toothed whales). In this study, we have sequenced the complete mitochondrial (mt) genome of an odontocete, the sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus), and included it in phylogenetic analyses together with the previously sequenced complete mtDNAs of two mysticetes (the fin and blue whales) and a number of other mammals, including five artiodactyls (the hippopotamus, cow, sheep, alpaca, and pig). The most strongly supported cetartiodactyl relationship was: outgroup,((pig, alpaca),((cow, sheep),(hippopotamus,(sperm whale,(baleen whales))))). As in previous analyses of complete mtDNAs, the sister-group relationship between the hippopotamus and the whales received strong support, making both Artiodactyla and Suiformes (pigs, peccaries, and hippopotamuses) paraphyletic. In addition, the analyses identified a sister-group relationship between Suina (the pig) and Tylopoda (the alpaca), although this relationship was not strongly supported. The paleontological records of both mysticetes and odontocetes extend into the Oligocene, suggesting that the mysticete and odontocete lineages diverged 32–34 million years before present (MYBP). Use of this divergence date and the complete mtDNAs of the sperm whale and the two baleen whales allowed the establishment of a new molecular reference, O/M-33, for dating other eutherian divergences. There was a general consistency between O/M-33 and the two previously established eutherian references, A/C-60 and E/R-50. Cetacean (whale) origin, i.e., the divergence between the hippopotamus and the cetaceans, was dated to ≈55 MYBP, while basal artiodactyl divergences were dated to ≥65 MYBP. Molecular estimates of Tertiary eutherian divergences were consistent with the fossil record. Received: 12 July 1999 / Accepted: 28 February 2000