Uppískoyti til greinina Løgin fyribrigdi hjá hvali FRÓÐSKAPARRIT 6. BÓK, BLS. 34-50, 1957: Odd Points about Whales

Abstract

Since submission of this M. S. to the Editor further data have suggested modifications. The data are obtained from examination in London of Whaling Statistics on a wider scale than available in Tórshavn, correlation of the foetal weights of Pilot whales obtained in Føroyar with the foetal statistics of the other toothed species, the Sperm whale, derived partly from Matthews (1938), Clarhe (1956) and unpublished data.

The most important conclusions concern the period of gestation in different species. It would appear probable that baleen whales, are as suggested less than 1 year, probably 10 months T 1 month and of these it appears probable that the Blue whale is 9—10 months but the foetus at full term is only 1—2 tons, rarely, though occasionally, 3—4 tons. Secondly the Odontocoeti (Sperm and Pilot) differ from the Mystacoeti (Baleen whales) in being over 1 year. Our Pilot whale foetuses at or about August lst were of 2 age groups, about 700-800 gram and about 50,000 gram, strongly suggesting gestation periods over 1 year, about 14 or 15 months. Both Matthews and Clarke suggest 15—16 months as the gestation period for Sperm whales. These are shown in the appended figure.