DAO

Diseases of Aquatic Organisms

DAO is a hybrid research journal on all aspects of disease phenomena in aquatic organisms.

Online: ISSN 1616-1580

Print: ISSN 0177-5103

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/dao

Volume contents
Dis Aquat Org 159:99-115 (2024)

Relationship between skin and body condition in three species of baleen whales

ABSTRACT: The assessment of free-ranging cetacean health through the study of skin conditions using photographs has gained prominence in recent years. However, little attention has been given to the relationships between cetacean skin conditions, species, and body condition. To explore this relationship among baleen whale species along the northwestern coast of Spain, we employed a non-invasive method involving photograph analysis. In this study, we examined skin conditions (including injuries, epizoites and ectoparasites, pigmentation disorders, skin lesions, and anatomical malformations) and body condition (overall physical contours and form, as an indicator of nutritional status and health) in 3 species of whales (blue, fin, and minke whales). This methodology facilitated the identification of 29 subcategories of distinct skin conditions and an assessment of body condition over a 5 yr period (2017 to 2021). In our study, we present evidence linking hypopigmentation, protruding pieces of tissue, and tattoo-like lesions to ‘Poor’ body condition in the 3 baleen whale species. Fin whales exhibited a higher susceptibility to mottling (prevalence = 17.7%), while blue whales were more prone to starbursts (prevalence = 90.5%). Additionally, we found a significant relationship between skin condition diversity and individual body condition. Our findings contribute valuable information to the broader understanding of the health status of baleen whales. Further investigations are necessary to delve into the etiology of the documented skin conditions and their potential implications for individual survival. This study serves as a foundation for ongoing research aimed at advancing our comprehension of these findings.

KEYWORDS

Joyce Neves (Co-author)

  • Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute (BDRI), 36980 O Grove, Spain
  • Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Algarve, Campus of Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal

Séverine Methion (Corresponding Author)

  • Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute (BDRI), 36980 O Grove, Spain
severine@thebdri.com

Bruno Díaz López (Co-author)

  • Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute (BDRI), 36980 O Grove, Spain