A pygmy sperm whale (Kogia breviceps), one of the least common cetacean species to observe, was found dead on the coast of Matanzas.
According to the company Flora and Fauna from the territory to newspaper Gironthe animal was found in the Laguna de Maya Wildlife Refuge area.
At the time of discovery, the specimen—which due to its dimensions corresponds to an adult animal—was already in advanced state of decomposition.
During the initial inspection, specialists detected several perfectly defined circular lesions on its body, wounds that, according to a first assessment, could have been caused by a cigar shark (Isistius brasiliensis) when the cetacean was still alive.
The pygmy sperm whale usually lives in deep ocean waters, far from the coast, which makes its sightings extremely unusual.
Because of this characteristic, much of the scientific knowledge about the species, including aspects of its behavior, distribution, and biology, comes from analysis of stranded animals.
Pygmy sperm whale, a rare species
These cetaceans They can reach up to 3.5 meters in length as adults and are distinguished by their robust body and relatively small head.
They are part of the genus Kogia, along with the dwarf sperm whale, and their diet consists mainly of squid and fish that live in middle and deep areas of the ocean.
Given the discovery, the authorities reiterated the importance of Do not handle or approach stranded marine animals.
“It is important that when we find an animal in this state we avoid contact with the body, given that they can transmit zoonotic diseases,” the company warned in its statement.
Although they are not frequent events in Cuba, the appearance of different types of cetaceans on the Cuban coast has previously been reported.
Among the most recent episodes of this type is the Stranding in 2024 of a Cuvier’s beaked whale in Playa Baracoa, Artemisa, who died at the scene despite attempts to return her to the water. Three years earlier, a sperm whale had been found on the Caribe beach of Baracoa, in Guantánamo, with several wounds on its body.
