View source for Beaked whale

{{Short description|Family of mammals}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2020}}
{{Automatic taxobox
| fossil_range = {{Fossil range|Miocene|Recent}}
| image = Berardius bairdii.jpg
| image_caption = [[Baird's beaked whale]] (''Berardius bairdii'')
| display_parents=3
| taxon = Ziphiidae
| authority = [[John Edward Gray|Gray]], 1865
| type_genus = ''[[Cuvier's beaked whale|Ziphius]]''
| type_genus_authority = [[Georges Cuvier|Cuvier]], 1823
| subdivision_ranks = Genera
| subdivision = See [[#Taxonomy|text]]
| synonyms = *'''Hyperoodontidae''' <small>Gray, 1846</small>
}}
[[File:Poster beaked whales.jpg|thumb|All known beaked whales as of 2007]]
'''Beaked whales''' ([[systematic name]] '''Ziphiidae''') are a [[Family (biology)|family]] of [[cetaceans]] noted as being one of the least-known groups of mammals because of their deep-sea habitat, reclusive behavior and apparent low abundance.<ref name="Bianucci et al., 2008">{{Cite journal
 | last1 = Bianucci | first1 = Giovanni
 | last2 = Post | first2 = Klaas
 | last3 = Lambert | first3 = Olivier
 | title = Beaked whale mysteries revealed by seafloor fossils trawled off South Africa
 | year = 2008 | journal = South African Journal of Science | volume = 104 | issue = 3–4 | pages = 140–142
 | url = http://www.scielo.org.za/scielo.php?pid=S0038-23532008000200013&script=sci_arttext | access-date = 11 January 2014}}<!-- {{Harvnb|Bianucci|Post|Lambert|2008|p=140}} --></ref> Only three or four of the 24 existing species are reasonably well-known. [[Baird's beaked whale]]s and [[Cuvier's beaked whale]]s were subject to commercial exploitation, off the coast of [[Japan]], while the [[northern bottlenose whale]] was extensively hunted in the northern part of the [[North Atlantic Ocean|North Atlantic]] in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://www.registrelep-sararegistry.gc.ca/document/default_e.cfm?documentID=1863 |title=Recovery Strategy for the Northern Bottlenose Whale (''Hyperoodon ampullatus''), Scotian Shelf population, in Atlantic Canadian Waters - Species at Risk Public Registry |author= Government of Canada, Environment |website= www.registrelep-sararegistry.gc.ca |date=27 April 2011 |language=en |access-date= 2018-04-27}}</ref>

Reports emerged in late 2020 of the possible discovery of a new beaked whale species off the coast of [[Mexico]], the taxonomy of which had not been determined {{as of|2020|12|lc=on}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sciencealert.com/scientists-think-they-ve-identified-a-whole-new-species-of-whale-off-the-coast-of-mexico|title=Scientists Think They've Discovered a New Species of Beaked Whale|date=December 12, 2020|website=sciencealert.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Max |last=Kozlov|url=https://www.the-scientist.com/news-opinion/previously-unknown-beaked-whale-species-spotted-off-mexico-68265|title=Previously Unknown Beaked Whale Species Spotted off Mexico|date=December 12, 2020|website=the-scientist.com|archive-date=December 13, 2020|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201213201340/https://www.the-scientist.com/news-opinion/previously-unknown-beaked-whale-species-spotted-off-mexico-68265 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-01-14|title=Rare beaked whale sighting could be a world first for the species|url=https://news.mongabay.com/2021/01/rare-beaked-whale-sighting-could-be-a-world-first-for-the-species/|access-date=2021-01-27|website=Mongabay Environmental News|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=MacKinnon|first=J. B.|date=2021-03-30|title=An Entire Group of Whales Has Somehow Escaped Human Attention|work=The Atlantic|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2021/03/beaked-whales-holding-their-breath/618455/|access-date=2021-04-04|issn=1072-7825}}</ref>

==Physical characteristics==
[[File:Beaked Whale.jpg|thumb|Blainville's beaked whale]]
Beaked whales are moderate in size, ranging from {{convert|4|to|13|m|ft}} and weighing from {{convert|1|to|15|t}}. Their key distinguishing feature is the presence of a 'beak', somewhat similar to many [[dolphin]]s. Other distinctive features include a pair of converging grooves under the throat, and the absence of a notch in the tail fluke. Although [[Shepherd's beaked whale]] is an exception, most species have only one or two pairs of teeth, and even these do not erupt in females (other than in the genus ''Berardius''). Beaked whale species are often [[sexual dimorphism|sexually dimorphic]]{{snd}} one or the other sex is significantly larger. The adult males often possess a large bulging forehead,<ref name=EoM>{{Cite book | last = Christensen | first = Ivar | pages = [https://archive.org/details/encyclopediaofma00mals_0/page/210 210–211] | editor-last = Macdonald | editor-first = David W. | editor-link = David Macdonald (biologist) | title = The Encyclopedia of Mammals | year = 1984 | publisher = Facts on File | location = New York | isbn = 978-0-87196-871-5 | oclc = 10403800 | url-access = registration | url = https://archive.org/details/encyclopediaofma00mals_0/page/210 }}</ref> some to an extreme feature.<ref name="bianucci2013bizarre">{{Cite journal|last1=Bianucci|first1=Giovanni|last2=Miján|first2=Ismael|last3=Lambert|first3=Olivier|last4=Post|first4=Klaas|last5=Mateus|first5=Octávio|date=March 2013|title=Bizarre fossil beaked whales (Odontoceti, Ziphiidae) fished from the Atlantic Ocean floor off the Iberian Peninsula|url=http://www.bioone.org/doi/abs/10.5252/g2013n1a6|journal=Geodiversitas|language=en|volume=35|issue=1|pages=105–153|doi=10.5252/g2013n1a6|bibcode=2013Geodv..35..105B |s2cid=129787505|issn=1280-9659}}</ref> However, aside from dentition and size, very few morphological differences exist between male and female beaked whales.<ref name="Rommel et al., 2006">{{Cite journal
 | last1 = Rommel | first1 = S. A.
 | last2 = Costidis | first2 = A. M.
 | last3 = Fernandez | first3 = A.
 | last4 = Jepson | first4 = P. D.
 | last5 = Pabst | first5 = D. A.
 | last6 = McLellan | first6 = W. A.
 | last7 = Houser | first7 = D. S.
 | last8 = Cranford | first8 = T. W.
 | last9 = van Helden | first9 = A. L.
 | last10 = Allen | first10 = D. M.
 | last11 = Barros | first11 = N. B.
 | title = Elements of beaked whale anatomy and diving physiology and some hypothetical causes of sonar-related stranding
 | year = 2006 | journal = Journal of Cetacean Research and Management | volume = 7 | issue = 3 | pages = 189–209 | doi = 10.47536/jcrm.v7i3.730
 | s2cid = 32951311
 | url = https://archive.iwc.int/pages/view.php?ref=258 | access-date = 11 January 2014 | format = PDF
 | doi-access = free }}<!-- {{Harvnb|Rommel|Costidis|Fernandez|Jepson|2006|p=190}} --></ref>

Individual species may be very difficult to identify in the wild, since many species appear similar. The observer must rely on size, shape, and placement of teeth and often subtle differences in size, color, forehead shape, and beak length. In collected specimens, the expansion of the premaxillary process in the skull can be a key feature to identification.<ref name="bianucci2013bizarre"/>

The blubber of these whales is almost entirely (94%) composed of [[wax ester]] instead of the more usual [[triglyceride|triacylglycerols]], a unique characteristic of this family.<ref name="litchfield">{{Cite journal
 | last1 = Litchfield | first1 = Carter
 | last2 = Greenberg | first2 = Anne J.
 | last3 = Caldwell | first3 = David K.
 | last4 = Caldwell | first4 = Maria C.
 | last5 = Sipos | first5 = J. C.
 | last6 = Ackman | first6 = R. G.
 | title = Comparative lipid patterns in acoustical and nonacoustical fatty tissues of dolphins, porpoises and toothed whales
 | year = 1975 | journal = Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology B
 | doi = 10.1016/0305-0491(75)90095-4 | pmid = 1122741 | oclc = 733963359 | volume=50 | issue=4 | pages=591–7}}<!-- {{Harvnb|Litchfield|Greenberg|Caldwell|Caldwell|1975|loc=Abstract}} --></ref><ref>{{Cite journal| doi = 10.1242/jeb.161471| issn = 0022-0949| eissn = 1477-9145| volume = 221| issue = Suppl_1| pages = –161471| last = Koopman| first = Heather N.| others = Raul K. Suarez, Hans H. Hoppeler (eds.)| title = Function and evolution of specialized endogenous lipids in toothed whales| journal = Journal of Experimental Biology| access-date = 2025-01-10| date = 2018-03-07| article-number = jeb161471| pmid = 29514890| bibcode = 2018JExpB.221B1471K| url = https://journals.biologists.com/jeb/article/221/Suppl_1/jeb161471/33968/Function-and-evolution-of-specialized-endogenous| url-access = subscription}}</ref>

===Dentition===
Beaked whales are unique among toothed whales in that most species have only one pair of teeth. The teeth are tusk-like, but are visible only in males, which are presumed to use these teeth in combat for females for reproductive rights. In females, the teeth do not develop and remain hidden in the gum tissues.<ref name="Dalebout et al., 2008">{{Cite journal
 | last1 = Dalebout | first1 = Merel L.
 | last2 = Steel | first2 = Debbie
 | last3 = Baker | first3 = C. Scott
 | title = Phylogeny of the Beaked Whale Genus ''Mesoplodon'' (Ziphiidae: Cetacea) Revealed by Nuclear Introns: Implications for the Evolution of Male Tusks
 | year = 2008 | journal = Systematic Biology | volume = 57 | issue = 6 | pages = 857–875
 | doi = 10.1080/10635150802559257 | pmid = 19085329 | doi-access = free }}</ref><!-- {{Harvnb|Dalebout|Steel|Baker|2008|p=857}} -->

In December 2008, researchers from the Marine Mammal Institute at [[Oregon State University]] completed a DNA tree of 13 of 15 known species of ''[[Mesoplodon]]'' beaked whales (excluding the [[spade-toothed whale]], which was then only known from a skeletal specimen and a few stranded specimens).<!-- {{Harvnb|Dalebout|Steel|Baker|2008|p=860}} --> Among the results of this study was the conclusion that the male's teeth are actually a [[secondary sexual characteristic]], similar to the [[antler]]s of male [[deer]]. Each species' teeth have a characteristically unique shape.<!-- {{Harvnb|Dalebout|Steel|Baker|2008|p=866}} --> In some cases, these teeth even hinder feeding; in the [[strap-toothed whale]], for example, the teeth curve over the upper jaw, effectively limiting the gape to a few centimeters.<!-- {{Harvnb|Dalebout|Steel|Baker|2008|p=868}} --> Females are presumed to select mates based on the shape of the teeth, because the different species are otherwise quite similar in appearance.<ref name="Dalebout et al., 2008"/><!-- {{Harvnb|Dalebout|Steel|Baker|2008}} -->

==Taxonomy==
As of 2024, the Society for Marine Mammalogy Committee on Taxonomy recognizes 24 extant (living) species of beaked whales in six [[genus|genera]].<ref name=smmtax>{{Citation| publisher = Society for Marine Mammalogy| last1 = Costa| first1 = Ana P.| last2 = Archer| first2 = Frederick I.| last3 = Baker| first3 = Scott| last4 = Boness| first4 = Daryl J.| last5 = Brownell| first5 = Robert L., Jr.| last6 = Churchill| first6 = Morgan| last7 = Domning| first7 = Daryl P.| last8 = Jefferson| first8 = Thomas A.| last9 = Kinze| first9 = Carl| last10 = McGowen| first10 = Michael| last11 = Oliveira| first11 = Larissa R.| last12 = Rosel| first12 = Patricia E.| last13 = Wang| first13 = John Y.| last14 = Yamada| first14 = Tadasu K.| title = List of Marine Mammal Species and Subspecies| date = 2024| url = https://marinemammalscience.org/science-and-publications/list-marine-mammal-species-subspecies/}}</ref> Several species have only been formally described in the last two decades, most recently in 2021.<ref name='carroll2021eueu'>{{Cite journal| doi = 10.1098/rspb.2021.1213| volume = 288| issue = 1961| article-number = 20211213| last1 = Carroll| first1 = Emma L.| last2 = McGowen| first2 = Michael R.| last3 = McCarthy| first3 = Morgan L.| last4 = Marx| first4 = Felix G.| last5 = Aguilar| first5 = Natacha| last6 = Dalebout| first6 = Merel L.| last7 = Dreyer| first7 = Sascha| last8 = Gaggiotti| first8 = Oscar E.| last9 = Hansen| first9 = Sabine S.| last10 = Van Helden| first10 = Anton| last11 = Onoufriou| first11 = Aubrie B.| last12 = Baird| first12 = Robin W.| last13 = Baker| first13 = C. Scott| last14 = Berrow| first14 = Simon| last15 = Cholewiak| first15 = Danielle| last16 = Claridge| first16 = Diane| last17 = Constantine| first17 = Rochelle| last18 = Davison| first18 = Nicholas J.| last19 = Eira| first19 = Catarina| last20 = Fordyce| first20 = R. Ewan| last21 = Gatesy| first21 = John| last22 = Hofmeyr| first22 = G. J. Greg| last23 = Martín| first23 = Vidal| last24 = Mead| first24 = James G.| last25 = Mignucci-Giannoni| first25 = Antonio A.| last26 = Morin| first26 = Phillip A.| last27 = Reyes| first27 = Cristel| last28 = Rogan| first28 = Emer| last29 = Rosso| first29 = Massimiliano| last30 = Silva| first30 = Mónica A.| last31 = Springer| first31 = Mark S.| last32 = Steel| first32 = Debbie| last33 = Olsen| first33 = Morten Tange| title = Speciation in the deep: genomics and morphology reveal a new species of beaked whale ''Mesoplodon eueu''| journal = Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences| date = 2021-10-27| pmid = 34702078| pmc = 8548795| hdl = 2292/60063| hdl-access = free}}</ref>

The beaked whales are the second-largest family of [[cetacea]]ns after the [[oceanic dolphin|oceanic dolphins (Delphinidae)]]. Beaked whales were one of the first extant clades to diverge from the ancestral lineage. The earliest known beaked whale [[fossil]]s date to the [[Miocene]], about 15 million years ago.<ref>{{Cite journal| last1 = Lambert | first1 = Olivier| title = Archaeoziphius microglenoideus, a new primitive beaked whale (Mammalia, Cetacea, Odontoceti) from the Middle Miocene of Belgium| year = 2006| journal = Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology|  doi=10.1671/0272-4634(2006)26[182:AMANPB]2.0.CO;2| volume=26| pages=182–191| s2cid = 55300284}}</ref><ref name='berta2017'>{{Cite book| publisher = JHU Press| isbn = 978-1-4214-2325-8| last = Berta| first = Annalisa| title = The Rise of Marine Mammals: 50 Million Years of Evolution| date = 2017}}</ref>

A 2016 study split the beaked whales into the basal extinct Messapicetus [[clade|clade (lineage)]] and the crown Ziphiidae which include all of the living members of the family as well as other extinct forms. Both clades share some key characteristics of the family including thick skull bones and the trend toward loss of teeth.<ref name="biannucci2016conevo">{{Cite journal| doi = 10.7717/peerj.2479| issn = 2167-8359| volume = 4| pages = –2479| last1 = Bianucci| first1 = Giovanni| last2 = Celma| first2 = Claudio Di| last3 = Urbina| first3 = Mario| last4 = Lambert| first4 = Olivier| title = New beaked whales from the late Miocene of Peru and evidence for convergent evolution in stem and crown Ziphiidae (Cetacea, Odontoceti)| journal = PeerJ| date = 2016-09-20| article-number = e2479| doi-access = free| pmid = 27688973| pmc = 5036081}}</ref> In 2020, a molecular study further resolved the relationships among the crown Ziphiidae and placed [[Shepherd's beaked whale]], the only living species with a full set of erupted teeth, between Berardiinae, whose extant forms have four erupted teeth, and Ziphiinae, whose extant form has two erupted teeth.<ref name='mcgowen2020tarseq'>{{Cite journal| doi = 10.1093/sysbio/syz068| issn = 1063-5157| volume = 69| issue = 3| pages = 479–501| last1 = McGowen| first1 = Michael R.| last2 = Tsagkogeorga| first2 = Georgia| last3 = Álvarez-Carretero| first3 = Sandra| last4 = dos Reis| first4 = Mario| last5 = Struebig| first5 = Monika| last6 = Deaville| first6 = Robert| last7 = Jepson| first7 = Paul D.| last8 = Jarman| first8 = Simon| last9 = Polanowski| first9 = Andrea| last10 = Morin| first10 = Phillip A.| last11 = Rossiter| first11 = Stephen J.| title = Phylogenomic Resolution of the Cetacean Tree of Life Using Target Sequence Capture| journal = Systematic Biology| access-date = 2020-05-27| date = 2020-05-01| pmid = 31633766| url = https://academic.oup.com/sysbio/article/69/3/479/5601630| pmc = 7164366}}</ref>

[[File:Arnoux's beaked whale in Antarctica.jpg|thumb|Arnoux's beaked whale]]

* Order [[Artiodactyla]]
* Infraorder [[Cetacea]]
* Parvorder [[Odontoceti]]: toothed whales
** '''Family Ziphiidae'''
*** ''[[Incertae sedis]]''
**** Genus †''[[Anoplonassa]]''
**** Genus †''[[Caviziphius]]''
**** Genus †''[[Cetorhynchus]]''
**** Genus †''[[Eboroziphius]]''
**** Genus †''[[Pelycorhamphus]]''
*** Messapicetus clade<ref name=biannucci2016conevo/>
**** Genus †''[[Aporotus]]''
**** Genus †''[[Beneziphius]]''
**** Genus †''[[Chavinziphius]]''
**** Genus †''[[Chimuziphius]]''
**** Genus †''[[Choneziphius]]''
**** Genus †''[[Dagonodum]]''
**** Genus †''[[Globicetus]]''
**** Genus †''[[Imocetus]]''
**** Genus †''[[Messapicetus]]''
**** Genus †''[[Ninoziphius]]''
**** Genus †''[[Notoziphius]]''
**** Genus †''[[Tusciziphius]]''
**** Genus †''[[Ziphirostrum]]''
*** Unnamed clade<ref = 'bianucci2024newbwhale'>{{Cite journal| doi = 10.4435/BSPI.2024.10| issn = 0375-7633| volume = 63| issue = 1| pages = 1–20| last1 = Bianucci| first1 = Giovanni| last2 = Benites-Palomino| first2 = Aldo Marcelo| last3 = Collareta| first3 = Alberto| last4 = Bosio| first4 = Giulia| last5 = De Muizon| first5 = Christian| last6 = Merella| first6 = Marco| last7 = Di Celma| first7 = Claudio| last8 = Malinverno| first8 = Elisa| last9 = Urbina| first9 = Mario| last10 = Lambert| first10 = Olivier| title = A new Late Miocene beaked whale (Cetacea, Odontoceti) from the Pisco Formation, and a revised age for the fossil Ziphiidae of Peru| journal = Bollettino della Società Paleontologica Italiana| date = 2024| doi-broken-date = 1 July 2025}}</ref>
**** Genus †''[[Nazcacetus]]''
*** Subfamily '''Berardiinae'''
**** Genus †''[[Archaeoziphius]]''
**** Genus ''[[Berardius]]''
***** ''B. arnuxii'', [[Arnoux's beaked whale]]
***** ''B. bairdii'', [[Baird's beaked whale]]
***** ''Berardius minimus'', [[Sato's beaked whale]]<ref>{{cite journal |last1= Yamada|first1= Tadasu K.|last2= Kitamura |first2= Shino |date= 30 August 2019|title= Description of a new species of beaked whale (Berardius) found in the North Pacific|journal= Scientific Reports|volume= 9 |issue= 1|page= 12723 |doi= 10.1038/s41598-019-46703-w |pmid= 31471538|bibcode= 2019NatSR...912723Y |pmc= 6717206}}</ref>
***** †''[[Berardius kobayashii|B. kobayashii]]''<ref>{{cite journal |last1= Kawatani|first1= Ayako|last2= Kohno|first2= Naoki|date= 3 March 2021|title= The oldest fossil record of the extant genus ''Berardius'' (Odontoceti, Ziphiidae) from the Middle to Late Miocene boundary of the western North Pacific|journal= Royal Society Open Science|volume= 8 |issue= 3|article-number= 201152 |doi= 10.1098/rsos.201152|pmid= 33959310|pmc= 8074928|bibcode= 2021RSOS....801152K|doi-access= free}}</ref>
**** Genus †''[[Microberardius]]''
*** Unnamed clade<ref name=mcgowen2020targetseq>{{Cite journal| doi = 10.1093/sysbio/syz068| issn = 1063-5157| volume = 69| issue = 3| pages = 479–501| last1 = McGowen| first1 = Michael R.| last2 = Tsagkogeorga| first2 = Georgia| last3 = Álvarez-Carretero| first3 = Sandra| last4 = dos Reis| first4 = Mario| last5 = Struebig| first5 = Monika| last6 = Deaville| first6 = Robert| last7 = Jepson| first7 = Paul D.| last8 = Jarman| first8 = Simon| last9 = Polanowski| first9 = Andrea| last10 = Morin| first10 = Phillip A.| last11 = Rossiter| first11 = Stephen J.| title = Phylogenomic Resolution of the Cetacean Tree of Life Using Target Sequence Capture| journal = Systematic Biology| access-date = 2020-05-27| date = 2020-05-01| pmid = 31633766| pmc = 7164366| url = https://academic.oup.com/sysbio/article/69/3/479/5601630}}</ref>
**** Genus ''[[Tasmacetus]]''
***** ''T. shepherdi'', [[Shepherd's beaked whale]]
*** Subfamily '''Ziphiinae'''
**** Genus †''[[Izikoziphius]]''
**** Genus ''[[Ziphius]]''
***** ''Z. cavirostris'', [[Cuvier's beaked whale]]
***** †''[[Z. compressus]]''
*** Subfamily '''Hyperoodontinae'''
**** Genus †''[[Africanacetus]]''
**** Genus †''[[Belemnoziphius]]''
**** Genus ''Hyperoodon'', [[bottlenose whale]]s
***** ''H. ampullatus'', [[northern bottlenose whale]]
***** ''H. planifrons'', [[southern bottlenose whale]]
**** Genus †''[[Ihlengesi]]''
**** Genus ''[[Indopacetus]]''
***** ''I. pacificus'', [[tropical bottlenose whale]]
**** Genus †''[[Khoikhoicetus]]''
**** Genus ''[[Mesoplodon]]'', mesoplodont whales
***** ''M. bidens'', [[Sowerby's beaked whale]]
***** ''M. bowdoini'', [[Andrews' beaked whale]]
***** ''M. carlhubbsi'', [[Hubbs' beaked whale]]
***** ''M. densirostris'', [[Blainville's beaked whale]]
***** ''M. eueu'', [[Ramari's beaked whale]]
*****''M. europaeus'', [[Gervais's beaked whale]]
***** ''M. ginkgodens'', [[ginkgo-toothed beaked whale]]
***** ''M. grayi'', [[Gray's beaked whale]]
***** ''M. hectori'', [[Hector's beaked whale]]
***** ''M. layardii'', [[strap-toothed whale]]
***** ''M. mirus'', [[True's beaked whale]]
***** ''M. peruvianus'', [[pygmy beaked whale]]
***** ''M. perrini'', [[Perrin's beaked whale]]
***** ''M. stejnegeri'', [[Stejneger's beaked whale]]
***** ''M. traversii'', [[spade-toothed whale]]
***** ''M. hotaula'', [[Deraniyagala's beaked whale]]<ref>{{Cite journal
 | last1 = Dalebout | first1 = Merel L.
 | title = Resurrection of Mesoplodon hotaula Deraniyagala 1963: A new species of beaked whale in the tropical Indo-Pacific
 | year = 2014 | journal = Marine Mammal Science | volume = 30| issue = 3| pages = 1081–1108
 | doi = 10.1111/mms.12113| bibcode = 2014MMamS..30.1081D
 | hdl = 1957/51503}}</ref>
***** ''†M. longirostris''
***** ''†M. posti''
***** ''†M. slangkopi''
***** ''†M. tumidirostris''
**** Genus †''[[Nenga (whale)|Nenga]]''
**** Genus †''[[Pterocetus]]''
**** Genus †''[[Xhosacetus]]''

===Etymology===
The name Ziphiidae was coined from the genus ''[[Ziphius]]'' by [[J. E. Gray]] in 1865 to move the beaked whales from the family [[Delphinidae]] into a new family.<ref name='gray1865'>{{Cite journal| pages = 522–529| last = Gray| first = John Edward| title = Notices of a New Genus of Delphinoid Whales from the Cape of Good Hope, and of other Cetaceans from the same Seas| journal = Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London| date = 1865}}</ref> Gray noted in 1866, however, that Hyperoodontidae should have priority for the new beaked whale family name owing to earlier usage (in 1846), but Gray preferred Ziphiidae due to an apparent confusion between the upper and lower jaw (or the terminology) in the naming of ''[[Hyperoodon]]''.<ref name='gray1866'>{{Cite book| publisher = London, Printed by order of the Trustees, 1866| last = Gray| first = John Edward| title = Catalogue of seals and whales in the British Museum| date = 1866}}</ref><ref name='gray1846'>{{Cite book| publisher = E. W. Janson| volume = 1| pages = 13–53| editor = John Richardson, John Edward Gray| last = Gray| first = John Edward| title = The Zoology of the Voyage of H.M.S. Erebus & Terror, under the command of Captain Sir James Clark Ross, During the years 1839 to 1843. By authority of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty| chapter = On the Cetaceaous Animals| location = London| date = 1846}}</ref>

Hyperoodontidae was preferred in a 1968 phylogeny, which stated that Gray's objection did not qualify as an exception under the [[International Code of Zoological Nomenclature|International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN)]].<ref name="moore1867">{{Cite book| publisher = Field Museum Press| volume = 53| last = Moore| first = Joseph Curtis| title = Fieldiana: Zoology| chapter = Relationships among the living genera of beaked whales with classifications, diagnoses and keys| date = 1968}}</ref><ref name='icznrules'>{{Cite web| title = International Code of Zoological Nomenclature| access-date = 2024-12-25| url = https://code.iczn.org/validity-of-names-and-nomenclatural-acts/article-23-principle-of-priority/?frame=1}}</ref> Hyperoodontidae is indeed currently marked as the valid name by the [[Integrated Taxonomic Information System|Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS)]] which states no successful petition for Ziphiidae had been made to the ICZN as of 2023.<ref name=itishypero>{{Cite web| title = ITIS - Report: Hyperoodontidae, Gray 1846| access-date = 2024-12-24| url = https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=770799}}</ref> In contrast, Smithsonian researchers J.G. Mead and Robert Brownell Jr. argued in 1993 that due to being the "name of choice for over 100 years", Ziphiidae should be given exception under the ICZN Article 23.12.<ref name='mead1993'>{{Cite journal| last1 = Mead| first1 = James G| last2 = Brownell Jr| first2 = Robert L| title = Order Cetacea| journal = Mammal Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference| date = 1993}}</ref> In addition, several authorities, including the Society for Marine Mammalogy Committee on Taxonomy and [[IUCN Red List|IUCN Red List of Threatened Species]] among others continue to use Ziphiidae.<ref name=smmtax /><!-- https://marinemammalscience.org/science-and-publications/list-marine-mammal-species-subspecies/ ---><ref name='iucn-ziphiidae'>{{Cite web| title = The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species| access-date = 2024-12-26| url = https://www.iucnredlist.org/en}}</ref>

A further, unrelated confusion has arisen, as noted on the ITIS, due to the propagation of an incorrect citation of "Gray, 1850" for Ziphiidae.<ref name='itisgray1850'>{{Cite web| title = ITIS - Report: Ziphiidae, Gray 1850| access-date = 2024-12-24| url = https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=180493#null}}</ref>

===Evolutionary history===
As many as 26 genera antedate humans.<ref name="Bianucci et al., 2008"/><ref>{{Cite journal
 | last1 = Bianucci | first1 = Giovanni
 | last2 = Miján | first2 = Ismael
 | last3 = Lambert | first3 = Olivier
 | last4 = Post | first4 = Klaas
 | last5 = Mateus | first5 = Octávio
 | title = Bizarre fossil beaked whales (Odontoceti, Ziphiidae) fished from the Atlantic Ocean floor off the Iberian Peninsula
 | year = 2013 | journal = Geodiversitas | volume = 35 | issue = 1 | pages = 105–153
 | url = https://www.researchgate.net/publication/235945028 | access-date = 11 January 2014
 | doi = 10.5252/g2013n1a6 | bibcode = 2013Geodv..35..105B
 | s2cid = 129787505
 }}<!-- {{Harvnb|Bianucci|Miján|Lambert|Post|2013}} --></ref><!-- {{Harvnb|Bianucci|Post|Lambert|2008|p=141}} "Middle-Late Miocene"--> These include ancestors of giant beaked whales (''[[Berardius]]''), such as ''[[Microberardius]]'', and ancestors of Cuvier's beaked whale (''[[Ziphius]]''); they had many relatives, such as ''[[Caviziphius]]'', ''[[Archaeoziphius]]'', and ''[[Izikoziphius]]''. They were probably preyed upon by predatory whales and [[shark]]s, including ''[[Megalodon|Otodus megalodon]]''. Recently,{{when|date=April 2021}} a large fossil ziphiid sample was discovered off the South African coast, confirming the extant ziphiid diversity might just be a remnant of a higher past diversity. After studying numerous fossil skulls off the shore of Iberia<ref name="bianucci2013bizarre"/> and South Africa, researchers discovered the absence of functional maxillary teeth in all South African fossil ziphiids, which is evidence that suction feeding had already developed in several beaked whale lineages during the Miocene. Researchers also found fossil ziphiids with robust skulls, signaling that tusks were used for male-male interactions (speculated with extant beaked whales).<ref name="Bianucci et al., 2008"/><!-- {{Harvnb|Bianucci|Post|Lambert|2008|p=142}} -->

==Ecology==

===Diving===
{{See also|Physiology of underwater diving}}
Beaked whales are deep divers with extreme dive profiles.<ref name="Tyack et al., 2006">{{Cite journal
 | last1 = Tyack | first1 = Peter L.
 | last2 = Johnson | first2 = Mark
 | last3 = Soto | first3 = Natacha Aguilar
 | last4 = Sturlese | first4 = Albert
 | last5 = Madsen | first5 = Peter T.
 | title = Extreme diving of beaked whales
 | year = 2006 | journal = Journal of Experimental Biology | volume = 209 | issue = 21
 | pages = 4238–4253
 | doi = 10.1242/jeb.02505 | pmid=17050839| doi-access = free | bibcode = 2006JExpB.209.4238T
 }}<!-- {{Harvnb|Tyack|Johnson|Soto|Sturlese|2006|loc=p. 4241, Table 2}} --></ref><!-- {{Harvnb|Tyack|Johnson|Soto|Sturlese|2006|loc=Abstract}} --> They regularly dive deeper than {{Convert|500|m|abbr=on}} to [[Animal echolocation|echolocate]] for food, and these deep dives are often followed by multiple shallower dives less than 500 m.<ref name="Zimmer and Tyack, 2007">{{Cite journal
 | last1 = Zimmer | first1 = Walter M. X.
 | last2 = Tyack | first2 = Peter L.
 | title = Repetitive shallow dives pose decompression risk in deep-diving beaked whales
 | year = 2007 | journal = Marine Mammal Science | volume = 23 | issue = 4 | pages = 888–925
 | doi = 10.1111/j.1748-7692.2007.00152.x | bibcode = 2007MMamS..23..888Z
 }}<!-- {{Harvnb|Zimmer|Tyack|2007}} page? --></ref> This pattern is not always followed, however. Animals have been observed spending more than an hour at or near the surface breathing. Beaked whales are often seen surfacing synchronously, but asynchronous surfacing has also been observed.<ref name="MacLeod and D'Amico, 2006">{{Cite journal
 | last1 = MacLeod | first1 = Colin D.
 | last2 = D'Amico | first2 = Angela
 | title = A review of beaked whale behavior and ecology in relation to assessing and mitigating impacts of anthropogenic noise
 | year = 2006 | journal = Journal of Cetacean Research and Management | volume = 7 | issue = 3 | pages = 211–221 | doi = 10.47536/jcrm.v7i3.731
 | s2cid = 257545789
 | url = https://archive.iwc.int/pages/view.php?ref=258 | access-date = 11 January 2014 | format = PDF
 | doi-access = free }}<!-- {{Harvnb|MacLeod|D'Amico|2006}} --></ref> In March 2014, a study by Cascadia Research revealed that Cuvier's beaked whales were recorded to dive at least 2992 m in depth, a mammalian record.<ref name="Schorr-2014">{{cite journal|url=http://www.cascadiaresearch.org/reports/Schorretal2014.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170122231940/http://www.cascadiaresearch.org/reports/Schorretal2014.pdf|archive-date=22 January 2017|title=First Long-Term Behavioral Records from Cuvier's Beaked Whales (''Ziphius cavirostris'') Reveal Record-Breaking Dives|last1=Schorr|first1=Gregory S.|last2=Falconne|first2=Erin A.|last3=Moretti|first3=David J.|last4=Andrews|first4=Russel D.|journal=PLOS ONE|volume=9|issue=3|doi=10.1371/journal.pone.0092633|date=26 March 2014|article-number=e92633|pmid=24670984|pmc=3966784|bibcode=2014PLoSO...992633S|access-date=29 September 2020|doi-access=free}}</ref><!-- {{Harvnb|MacLeod|D'Amico|2006|loc=Dive patterns, duration and depth, pp. 214–215}} --> Another study, published in 2020, reported a Cuvier's beaked whale making a dive that lasted 222 minutes, another mammalian record.<ref name="JEB">{{cite journal |last1=Quick |first1=Nicola J. |last2=Cioffi |first2=William R. |last3=Shearer |first3=Jeanne M. |last4=Fahlman |first4=Andreas |last5=Read |first5=Andrew J. |title=Extreme diving in mammals: first estimates of behavioural aerobic dive limits in Cuvier's beaked whales |journal=The Journal of Experimental Biology |date=15 September 2020 |volume=223 |issue=18 |pages=jeb222109 |doi=10.1242/jeb.222109 |url=https://jeb.biologists.org/content/223/18/jeb222109 |access-date=24 September 2020 |publisher=The Company of Biologists |pmid=32967976 |language=en|doi-access=free |bibcode=2020JExpB.223B2109Q }}</ref>

Deep-diving mammals face a number of challenges related to extended breath-holding and hydrostatic pressure. Cetaceans and pinnipeds that prolong [[apnea]] must optimize the size and use of their oxygen stores, and they must deal with the accumulation of [[lactic acid]] due to anaerobic metabolism.<ref name="Tyack et al., 2006"/><!-- {{Harvnb|Tyack|Johnson|Soto|Sturlese|2006|loc=Introduction, p. 4238}} --> Beaked whales have several anatomical adaptations to deep diving: large [[spleen]]s, livers, and body shape. Most cetaceans have small spleens. However, beaked whales have much larger spleens than delphinids, and may have larger livers, as well. These anatomical traits, which are important for filtering blood, could be adaptations to deep diving.<!-- {{Harvnb|Rommel|Costidis|Fernandez|Jepson|2006|p=201}} --> Another notable anatomical adaptation among beaked whales is a slight depression in the body wall that allows them to hold their pectoral flippers tightly against their bodies for increased streamlining.<ref name="Rommel et al., 2006"/> However, they are not invulnerable to the effects of diving so deep and so often. Cascadia Research shows that the deeper the whales dive, the less often they dive per day, cutting their efforts by at least 40%.<ref name="Schorr-2014"/><!-- {{Harvnb|Rommel|Costidis|Fernandez|Jepson|2006|p=191}} -->

The challenges of deep diving are also overcome by the unique diving physiology of beaked whales. Oxygen storage during dives is mostly achieved by blood hemoglobin and muscle myoglobin.<ref name="Zimmer and Tyack, 2007"/> While the whale is diving, its heart rate slows and blood flow changes. This physiological dive response ensures oxygen-sensitive tissues maintain a supply of oxygen, while those tissues tolerant to hypoxia receive less blood flow. Additionally, lung collapse obviates the exchange of lung gas with blood, likely minimizing the uptake of nitrogen by tissues.<ref name="Rommel et al., 2006"/><!-- {{Harvnb|Rommel|Costidis|Fernandez|Jepson|2006|p=203}} -->

===Feeding===
The throats of all beaked whales have a bilaterally paired set of grooves that are associated with their unique feeding mechanism, suction feeding.<ref name="Rommel et al., 2006"/><!-- {{Harvnb|Rommel|Costidis|Fernandez|Jepson|2006|p=190}} --> Instead of capturing prey with their teeth, beaked whales suck it into their oral cavity. Suction is aided by the throat grooves, which stretch and expand to accommodate food. Their tongues can move very freely. By suddenly retracting the tongue and distending the gular (throat) floor, pressure immediately drops within the mouth, sucking the prey in with the water.

Dietary information is available from stomach contents analyses of stranded beaked whales and from whaling operations. Their preferred diet is primarily deep-water squid,<ref name="Dalebout et al., 2008"/><!-- {{Harvnb|Dalebout|Steel|Baker|2008|p=857}} --> but also benthic and benthopelagic fish and some crustaceans, mostly taken near the sea floor.<ref name="MacLeod and D'Amico, 2006"/> In a recent study, gouge marks in the sea floor were interpreted to be a result of feeding activities by beaked whales.<ref>{{Cite journal
 | last1 = Auster | first1 = Peter J.
 | last2 = Watling | first2 = Les
 | title = Beaked whale foraging areas inferred by gouges in the seafloor
 | year = 2010 | journal = Marine Mammal Science | volume = 26 | issue = 1 | pages = 226–233
 | doi = 10.1111/j.1748-7692.2009.00325.x | bibcode = 2010MMamS..26..226A
 }}<!-- {{Harvnb|Auster|Watling|2010|loc=Abstract}} --></ref>

To understand the hunting and foraging behavior of beaked whales, researchers used sound and orientation recording devices <!-- (DTAGs) --> on two species: [[Cuvier's beaked whale]] (''Ziphius cavirostris'') and [[Blainville's beaked whale]] (''Mesoplodon densirostris''). These whales hunt by echolocation in deep water (where the majority of their prey is located) between about {{Convert|200|and|1885|m|abbr=on}} and usually catch about 30 prey per dive. Cuvier's beaked whales must forage on average at {{Convert|1070|m|abbr=on}} for 58 minutes and Blainville's beaked whales typically forage at {{Convert|835|m|abbr=on}} deep for an average of 47 minutes.<ref name="Tyack et al., 2006"/><!-- {{Harvnb|Tyack|Johnson|Soto|Sturlese|2006|loc=Abstract}} -->

===Range and habitat===
The family Ziphiidae is one of the most widespread families of cetaceans, ranging from the ice edges at both the north and south poles, to the equator in all the oceans.<ref>{{Cite journal
 | last1 = MacLeod | first1 = Colin D.
 | last2 = Perrin | first2 = William F.
 | last3 = Pitman | first3 = Robert
 | last4 = Barlow | first4 = Jay
 | last5 = Ballance | first5 = Lisa
 | last6 = D'Amicon | first6 = Angela
 | last7 = Gerrodette | first7 = Tim
 | last8 = Joyce | first8 = Gerald
 | last9 = Mullin | first9 = Keith D.
 | last10 = Palka | first10 = Debra L.
 | last11 = Waring | first11 = Gordon T.
 | title = Known and inferred distributions of beaked whales
 | year = 2006 | journal = Journal of Cetacean Research and Management | volume = 7 | issue = 3 | pages = 271–286 | doi = 10.47536/jcrm.v7i3.737
 | s2cid = 88202930
 | url = https://archive.iwc.int/pages/view.php?ref=258 | access-date = 11 January 2014 | format = PDF
 | doi-access = free }}<!-- {{Harvnb|MacLeod|Perrin|Pitman|Barlow|2006|loc=Introduction, p. 271}} --></ref> Specific ranges vary greatly by species, though beaked whales typically inhabit offshore waters that are at least 300 m deep.

Beaked whales are known to congregate in deep waters off the edge of continental shelves, and bottom features, such as [[seamounts]], [[canyons]], [[escarpments]], and oceanic islands, including the [[Azores]] and the [[Canary Islands]],<ref name="MacLeod and D'Amico, 2006"/> and even off the coasts of Hawaii.<ref name="Schorr-2014"/>

==Life history==
Very little is known about the life history of beaked whales. The oldest recorded age is 84 years for a male Baird's beaked whale and 54 years for a female. For all other beaked whale species studied, the oldest recorded age is between 27 and 39 years. Sexual maturity is reached between seven and 15 years of age in Baird's beaked whales and northern bottlenose whales. Gestation varies greatly between species, lasting 17 months for Baird's beaked whales and 12 months for the northern bottlenose whale.<ref>{{Cite journal
 | last = Mead | first = James G.
 | year = 1984
 | title = Survey of reproductive data for the beaked whales (Ziphiidae)
 | journal = Reports of the International Whaling Commission | issue = Special Issue 6 | pages = 91–96
 | url = http://repository.si.edu/dspace/bitstream/10088/4730/1/VZ_jgm3.pdf | access-date = 11 January 2014
 }} ([https://archive.iwc.int/pages/view.php?ref=466 PDF from IWC])<!-- {{Harvnb|Mead|1984|p=92}} --></ref> No data is available on their reproductive rates.

Determining group size for beaked whales is difficult, due to their inconspicuous surfacing behavior. Groups of beaked whales, defined as all individuals found in the same location at the same time, have been reported as ranging from one to 100 individuals. Nevertheless, some populations' group size has been estimated from repeated observations. For example, northern and southern bottlenose whales (''H. ampullatus'' and ''H. planifrons''), Cuvier's beaked whales, and Blainville's beaked whales (''Mesoplodon densirostris'') have a reported maximum group size of 20 individuals, with the average ranging from 2.5 to 3.5 individuals. ''Berardius'' species and Longman's beaked whales (''Indopacetus pacificus'') are found in larger groups of up to 100 individuals.<ref name="MacLeod and D'Amico, 2006"/>

Not much information is available about group composition of beaked whales. Only four species have been studied in great detail: [[northern bottlenose whale]], [[Blainville's beaked whale]], [[Baird's beaked whale]], and [[Cuvier's beaked whale]]. Female northern bottlenose whales appear to form a loose network of social partners with no obvious long-term associations. In contrast to females, some male northern bottlenose whales have been repeatedly recorded together over several years, and possibly form long-term associations.<ref>{{Cite journal| doi = 10.1006/anbe.2001.1756| issn = 0003-3472| volume = 62| issue = 2| pages = 369–377| last1 = Gowans| first1 = Shannon| last2 = Whitehead| first2 = Hal| last3 = Hooker| first3 = Sascha K.| title = Social organization in northern bottlenose whales, Hyperoodon ampullatus: not driven by deep-water foraging?| journal = Animal Behaviour| date = 2001| url = http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0003347201917567| url-access = subscription}}</ref> Studies of Blainville's beaked whales have revealed groups usually consist of a number of females, calves, and/or juvenile animals occasionally accompanied by single males. Drawing on similarities with other mammal species, it has been concluded that this species may therefore engage in female-defense [[Polygyny in animals|polygyny]].<ref name="Dalebout et al., 2008"/><!-- {{Harvnb|Dalebout|Steel|Baker|2008|p=872}} --><ref>{{cite thesis|last1=Claridge |first1=Diane E |title=Fine-scale distribution and habitat selection of beaked whales. |date=2006 |publisher=University of Aberdeen, Scotland |url=http://www.bahamaswhales.org/D_Claridge_MSc_Thesis.pdf |degree=MSc}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Baird |first1=Robin W. |title=Ethology and Behavioral Ecology of Odontocetes |date=2019 |publisher=Springer International Publishing |isbn=978-3-030-16663-2 |pages=305–329 |chapter-url=https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-16663-2_14 |language=en |chapter=Behavior and Ecology of Not-So-Social Odontocetes: Cuvier's and Blainville's Beaked Whales |series=Ethology and Behavioral Ecology of Marine Mammals |doi=10.1007/978-3-030-16663-2_14 }}</ref> Baird's beaked whales are known to occur in multiple male groups, and in large groups consisting of adult animals of both sexes. There has been some evidence from the [[Commander islands]] of multi-year stability in these groups.<ref>{{Cite journal| doi = 10.1111/mms.12204| issn = 0824-0469| volume = 31| issue = 3| pages = 853–865| last1 = Fedutin| first1 = Ivan D.| last2 = Filatova| first2 = Olga A.| last3 = Mamaev| first3 = Evgeny G.| last4 = Burdin| first4 = Alexandr M.| last5 = Hoyt| first5 = Erich| title = Occurrence and social structure of Baird's beaked whales, ''Berardius bairdii'' , in the Commander Islands, Russia| journal = Marine Mammal Science| date = 2015| bibcode = 2015MMamS..31..853F| url = http://doi.wiley.com/10.1111/mms.12204| url-access = subscription}}</ref> Arnoux's beaked whales have also been observed to form large pods of up to 47 individuals off the Southern Ocean off the coast of Kemp Land, Antarctica.<ref>{{cite journal|doi=10.1111/j.1748-7692.1999.tb00789.x | year = 1970 | title= Acoustic observations of Arnoux's beaked whale (Berardius arnuxii) off Kemp Land, Antarctica | journal=Marine Mammal Science | volume=15 | pages=192–198 | last1 = Rogers | first1 = Tracey L. | last2 = Brown | first2 = Sarah M. }}</ref> While males may form short-term associations in the Cuvier's beaked whale, there do not appear to be long term bonds in this species and relatively high rates of fission and fusion within and among groups have been observed.<ref>{{Cite journal| doi = 10.1111/mms.12799| issn = 0824-0469| volume = 37| issue = 3| pages = 1085–1100| last1 = Cioffi| first1 = William R.| last2 = Quick| first2 = Nicola J.| last3 = Foley| first3 = Heather J.| last4 = Waples| first4 = Danielle M.| last5 = Swaim| first5 = Zachary T.| last6 = Shearer| first6 = Jeanne M.| last7 = Webster| first7 = Daniel L.| last8 = Friedlaender| first8 = Ari S.| last9 = Southall| first9 = Brandon L.| last10 = Baird| first10 = Robin W.| last11 = Nowacek| first11 = Douglas P.| last12 = Read| first12 = Andrew J.| title = Adult male Cuvier's beaked whales (''Ziphius cavirostris'') engage in prolonged bouts of synchronous diving| journal = Marine Mammal Science| date = 2021| bibcode = 2021MMamS..37.1085C| url = https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.12799| url-access = subscription}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book| publisher = Springer International Publishing| isbn = 978-3-030-16663-2| pages = 305–329| editor = Bernd Würsig | last = Baird| first = Robin W.| title = Ethology and Behavioral Ecology of Odontocetes| chapter = Behavior and Ecology of Not-So-Social Odontocetes: Cuvier's and Blainville's Beaked Whales| location = Cham| date = 2019}}</ref>

==Conservation==

For many years, most beaked whale species were insulated from anthropogenic impacts because of their remote habitat. However, now several issues of concern include:

* Studies of [[whale beaching|stranded beaked whales]] show rising levels of toxic chemicals in their [[blubber]].<ref>{{Cite journal
 | last1 = Law | first1 = R. J.
 | last2 = Allchin | first2 = C. R.
 | last3 = Jones | first3 = B. R.
 | last4 = Jepson | first4 = P. D.
 | last5 = Baker | first5 = J. R.
 | last6 = Spurrier | first6 = C. J. H.
 | title = Metals and organochlorines in tissues of a Blainville's beaked whale (Mesoplodon densirostris) and a killer whale (Orcinus orca) stranded in the United Kingdom
 | year = 1997 | journal = Marine Pollution Bulletin | volume = 34 | issue = 3 | pages = 208–212
 | doi = 10.1016/S0025-326X(96)00148-8 | bibcode = 1997MarPB..34..208L
 }}<!-- {{Harvnb|Law|Allchin|Jones|Jepson|1997}} --></ref>
* As a [[top predator]], beaked whales, like [[Bird of prey|raptor]]s, are particularly vulnerable to build-up of biocontaminants. They can ingest plastic (which can be lethal).<ref name="MacLeod and D'Amico, 2006"/>
* They more frequently become trapped in trawl nets, due to the expansion of deepwater fisheries.<ref>{{Cite journal | last1 = Fertl | first1 = D. | last2 = Leatherwood | first2 = S. | title = Cetacean interactions with trawls: a preliminary review | year = 1997 | journal = Journal of Northwest Atlantic Fishery Science | volume = 22 | pages = 219–248 | url = http://journal.nafo.int/J22/Fertl.pdf | access-date = 11 January 2014 | doi = 10.2960/j.v22.a17 | doi-access = free | archive-date = 11 January 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140111215312/http://journal.nafo.int/J22/Fertl.pdf }}<!-- {{Harvnb|Fertl|Leatherwood|1997}} page? --></ref>
* Decompression sickness

A major conservation concern for beaked whales (family Ziphiidae) is they appear to be vulnerable to modern sonar operations, which arises from recent strandings that temporally and physically coincide with naval sonar exercises.<ref name="Fernandez et al., 2005">{{Cite journal
 | last1 = Fernández | first1 = A.
 | last2 = Edwards | first2 = J. F.
 | last3 = Rodríguez | first3 = F.
 | last4 = Espinosa de los Monteros | first4 = A.
 | last5 = Herráez | first5 = P.
 | last6 = Castro | first6 = P.
 | last7 = Jaber | first7 = J. R.
 | last8 = Martín | first8 = V.
 | last9 = Arbelo | first9 = M.
 | title = "Gas and Fat Embolic Syndrome" involving a mass stranding of beaked whales (family Ziphiidae) exposed to anthropogenic sonar signals
 | year = 2005 | journal = Veterinary Pathology | volume = 42 | pages = 446–457
 | doi = 10.1354/vp.42-4-446 | pmid = 16006604 | issue=4| s2cid = 43571676
 | doi-access = free }}<!-- {{Harvnb|Fernández|Edwards|Rodríguez|Espinosa de los Monteros|2005|loc=Abstract}} --></ref> Mid-frequency active sonar (MFAS), developed in the 1950s for submarine detection, is thought to induce panic when experienced by whales at depth.<ref name="nbc">{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/mach/science/sonar-can-scare-whales-death-new-study-shows-ncna964801|title=Sonar can scare whales to death, study shows. But scientists have a possible fix.|website=NBC News|date=30 January 2019 }}</ref> This raises their heart-rates, forcing them to attempt to rapidly ascend toward the surface in search of air. This artificially-induced rapid ascent can cause [[decompression sickness|decompression]].<ref name="nbc"/>

''Post mortem'' examinations of the stranded whales in concurrence with naval exercises have reported the presence of hemorrhaging near the ears or gas and fat emboli, which could have a deleterious impact on beaked whales that is analogous to decompression sickness in humans.<ref name="Zimmer and Tyack, 2007"/> Gas and fat emboli have been shown to cause nervous and cardiovascular system dysfunction, respiratory distress, pain, and disorientation in both humans and animals.<ref name="Fernandez et al., 2005"/> In the inner ear, gas embolism can cause hemorrhages, leading to disorientation or vestibular dysfunction.

Breath-holding divers, like beaked whales, can develop decompression-related problems (the "bends") when they return to the surface after deep dives.<ref name="Tyack et al., 2006"/><!-- {{Harvnb|Tyack|Johnson|Soto|Sturlese|2006|loc=Introduction, p. 4238}} --> This is a possible hypothesis for the mass strandings of pelagic beaked whales associated with sonar-related activities. To illustrate, a diving beaked whale may be surfacing from a deep dive and must pass vertically through varying received sound levels. Since the whale has limited remaining oxygen supplies at the end of a long dive, it probably has limited abilities to display any normal sound avoidance behavior. Instead, the whale must continue to swim toward the surface to replenish its oxygen stores.<ref name="MacLeod and D'Amico, 2006"/> Avoiding sonar inevitably requires a change in behavior or surfacing pattern. Therefore, sonar in close proximity to groups of beaked whales has the potential to cause hemorrhaging or to disorient the animal, eventually leading to a stranding.

Current research reveals two species of beaked whales are most affected by sonar: Cuvier's (''Z. cavirostris'') and Blainville's (''M. densirostris'') beaked whales. These animals have been reported as stranding in correlation with military exercises in Greece, the Bahamas, Madeira, and the Canary Islands.<ref>{{Cite journal | last1 = Faerber | first1 = Meghan M. | last2 = Baird | first2 = Robin W. | title = Does a lack of observed beaked whale strandings in military exercise areas mean no impacts have occurred? A comparison of stranding and detection probabilities in the Canary and main Hawaiian Islands | year = 2010 | journal = Marine Mammal Science | volume = 26 | issue = 3 | pages = 602–613 | url = http://www.cascadiaresearch.org/Hawaii/FaerberandBairdMMS2010.pdf | access-date = 11 January 2014 | doi = 10.1111/j.1748-7692.2010.00370.x | bibcode = 2010MMamS..26..602F | archive-date = 11 August 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160811143934/http://www.cascadiaresearch.org/Hawaii/FaerberandBairdMMS2010.pdf }}<!-- {{Harvnb|Faerber|Baird|2010|p=603}} --></ref> The livers of these animals had the most damage.<ref>{{Cite journal
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In 2019, a review of evidence on the mass strandings of beaked whale linked to naval exercises where sonar was used was published. It concluded that the effects of mid-frequency active sonar are strongest on Cuvier's beaked whales but vary among individuals or populations, and the strength of their response may depend on whether the individuals had prior exposure to sonar. The report considered that the most plausible explanation of the symptoms of decompression sickness such as [[gas embolism]] found in stranded whales to be the whales' response to sonar.  It noted that no more mass strandings had occurred in the Canary Islands once naval exercises where sonar was used were banned there, and recommended that the ban be extended to other areas where mass strandings continue to occur.<ref>{{cite journal |title=Advances in research on the impacts of anti-submarine sonar on beaked whales |vauthors=Bernaldo de Quirós Y, Fernandez A, Baird RW, Brownell RL Jr, Aguilar de Soto N, Allen D, Arbelo M, Arregui M, Costidis A, Fahlman A, Frantzis A, Gulland FM, Iñíguez M, Johnson M, Komnenou A, Koopman H, Pabst DA, Roe WD, Sierra E, Tejedor M, Schorr G |journal=Proceedings of the Royal Society B |date= 30 January 2019|volume=286|issue=1895|article-number=20182533| doi= 10.1098/rspb.2018.2533|pmid=30963955 |pmc=6364578}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/environment/whales-sonar-ban-military-navy-stranding-beached-canary-islands-a8752611.html |title=Scientists demand military sonar ban to end mass whale strandings|first=Tom |last=Batchelor|date=30 January 2019 |work=The Independent }}</ref>

Four species are classified by the [[IUCN]] as "lower risk, conservation dependent": [[Arnoux's beaked whale|Arnoux's]] and Baird's beaked whales, and the northern and southern [[bottlenose whale]]s. The status of the remaining species is unknown, preventing classification.<ref>{{Cite web | title = Cetacean update of the 2008 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species | publisher = IUCN | year = 2008 | url = http://cmsdata.iucn.org/downloads/cetacean_table_for_website.pdf | access-date = 11 January 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130516063622/http://cmsdata.iucn.org/downloads/cetacean_table_for_website.pdf | archive-date = 16 May 2013 }}</ref>

==Captivity==

Beaked whales have only rarely been kept in captivity and generally for very short time periods. Most animals taken into captivity have been captured after live-stranding and may have been in poor health only to die shortly thereafter.<ref>{{cite web|title=Beaked Whales in Captivity|url=http://cetabase.blogspot.com/2010/08/aug-26th-2010-beaked-whales-in.html|website=Ceta-Base Blog & Captive Cetacean News|access-date=23 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161005044138/http://cetabase.blogspot.com/2010/08/aug-26th-2010-beaked-whales-in.html|archive-date=5 October 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book| publisher = Elsevier| pages = 94–97| editor = William F. Perrin, Bernd Würsig, J. G. M. Thewissen| last = Mead| first = James G| title = Encyclopedia of marine mammals| chapter = Beaked whales, overview: Ziphiidae| date = 2009}}</ref>

The longest time period for a beaked whale living in captivity was 25 days, the record held by a whale named Alexander, one of two presumed [[Hubbs' beaked whale]] calves that stranded on August 24, 1989, on a beach in San Francisco, California, USA. Both whales were taken to [[Marine World California|Marine World Africa USA]], in Vallejo, California. The animals were kept in a 9.7 meter diameter by 2.7 meter deep pool.<ref name = "gage1990rehab">{{Cite journal| last = Gage| first = Laurie J.| title = Rehabilitation efforts for two neonatal beaked whales ( ''Mesoplodon'' spp.)| journal = Symposium Proceedings of the International Association of Aquatic Mammals, Vancouver, British Columbia| date = 1990}}</ref><ref name = reiss1992captive>{{Cite journal| doi = 10.1111/j.1748-7692.1992.tb00413.x| volume = 8| issue = 3| pages = 299–305| last1 = Lynn| first1 = Spencer K.| last2 = Reiss| first2 = Diana L.| title = Pulse sequence and whistle production by two captive beaked whales, ''Mesoplodon'' species| journal = Marine Mammal Science| access-date = 2024-12-24| date = 1992| bibcode = 1992MMamS...8..299L| url = https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1748-7692.1992.tb00413.x| url-access = subscription}}</ref>  The second whale, named Nicholas, died after 15 days in captivity.<ref name="articles.orlandosentinel.com">{{cite news|title=The second of two rare beaked whales that...|url=http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1989-09-19/news/8909192516_1_whales-captivity-pathology-tests|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160924111335/http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1989-09-19/news/8909192516_1_whales-captivity-pathology-tests|archive-date=24 September 2016|access-date=23 September 2016|date=19 September 1989|newspaper=Orland Sentinel}}</ref> Alexander, the smaller of the two whales, died of pneumonia, while the cause of death for Nicholas was not determined.<ref name=lowenstine1990necropsy>{{Cite journal| last1 = Lowenstine| first1 = Linda J.| last2 = Groff| first2 = Joseph| last3 = Rideout| first3 = Bruce| last4 = Wong| first4 = Anita| last5 = Gage| first5 = Laurie L.| title = Necropsy Findings in Two Juvenile Beaked Whales (''Mesoplodon'' spp.) Maintained in Captivity for Rehabilitation after Stranding| journal = Symposium Proceedings of the International Association of Aquatic Mammals, Vancouver, British Columbia| date = 1990}}</ref>

A small number of other beaked whales have been kept in captivity. Notably, a [[Cuvier's beaked whale]] captured on 02 February, 1992 and held at [[Sea World Orlando|Sea World of Florida]] was released after nine days about 30 miles offshore into the Atlantic Ocean. Perhaps the only successful release of a beaked whale, the animal was freeze branded for future identification before release.<ref name = ziphuis1992florida>{{Cite news| page = 6| last = Chrzan| first = Adam| title = Whale Returns To Sea| work = Indian River Press Journal| date = 1992-02-13| url = https://www.newspapers.com/image/782562607}}</ref> A rare [[True's beaked whale]], later named Hope, the only member of its species known to be held in captivity, was taken after live-stranding on 02 January, 1973. It was held for about two days in a backyard swimming pool which had been pumped full of seawater before being transferred to the [[Coney Island Aquarium]] where it died approximately 2 days later.<ref name = mirus1973pool>{{Cite news| pages = 1, 7| title = Trainers Ship Rare Whale To Coney Island Aquarium| work = Asbury Park Press| date = 1973-01-06}}</ref><ref name = mirus1973speciesconfirm>{{Cite news| page = 6| title = True's Beaked Whale Moved to New Home| work = The Herald| date = 1973-01-06}}</ref> A juvenile female [[Cuvier's beaked whale]] was found stranded on a [[kelp forest|kelp bed]] off of Santa Catalina Island on 23 February 1956. She was taken to [[Marineland of the Pacific]], where she was named Martha Washington.<ref>{{cite news|title=Rare Young Whale Taken From Kelp Trap Near Catalina Adjusting Self To Aquarium|url= https://www.newspapers.com/clip/15272292/marineland-pacific-cuviers-beaked/|access-date=3 July 2020|date=23 February 1956|newspaper=The San Bernardino County Sun}}</ref> On 16 June 1969, a [[Blainville's beaked whale]] live stranded in St. Augustine. The whale, thought to be a male, was then transported to [[Marineland of Florida]]. It is unknown what happened to the whale, but it was still alive on 18 June 1969.<ref>{{cite news|title=Beaked Whale Rare For Local Waters|url= https://www.newspapers.com/clip/22377035/marineland-florida-marine-studios/|access-date=3 July 2020|date=18 June 1969|newspaper=Orlando Evening Star}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Rare Whale Captured |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/54199360 |access-date=21 December 2024 |work=Playground Daily News |agency=Associated Press |date=18 June 1969 |page=1}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Whale of a Job |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/622140150 |access-date=21 December 2024 |work=The Miami Herald |date=20 June 1969 |page=28}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20081002062553/http://www.beakedwhaleresource.com/index.html The Beaked Whale Resource]}}
* [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/7641537.stm Beaked whales - into the abyss] - BBC News article
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20090705093632/http://www.whaletrackers.com/beaked-whales/ Diving with Beaked Whales] - A Whale Trackers documentary video.

{{Cetacea|O.}}
{{Odontoceti|C.}}
{{Taxonbar |from=Q193106}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Beaked Whale}}
[[Category:Ziphiids]]
[[Category:Extant Miocene first appearances]]
[[Category:Taxa named by John Edward Gray]]