Photo-identification of Physeter macrocephalus in the Gulf of Taranto (Northern Ionian Sea, Central- eastern Mediterranean Sea)

A photo-identification study of P. macrocephalus was carried out from 2016 to 2018 in the Gulf of Taranto, providing information on its distribution. Photographs of flank and flukes of individuals were collected to identify their natural marking pattern. In addition, a catalogue of photoidentified individuals was stored and embedded in the digital DolFin platform. During the study period, 13 sightings were recorded in the Gulf of Taranto in a depth range between 550 and 1200 m with a mean value of 853±193 m. The group size ranged from 1 to 7 specimens and calves were noted. Twelve sperm whales were photo-identified, showing a prevalence of marks on their flanks than flukes. The occurrence of sperm whale on the continental slope grounds suggests that the northernmost portion of the Taranto Valley canyon system can be a suitable habitat to this species as well as for other 4 cetacean species that, here, regularly perform essential tasks for their survival.