This is a list of the mammal species recorded in Tuvalu. There are three mammal species in Tuvalu identified in the IUCN Red List, all of which are marine mammals of the order Cetacea: ginkgo-toothed beaked whale (Mesoplodon ginkgodens), pygmy killer whale (Feresa attenuata), and pantropical spotted dolphin (Stenella attenuata).This list is derived from the IUCN Red List which lists species of mammals and includes those mammals that have recently been classified as extinct (since 1500 AD). The taxonomy and naming of the individual species is based on those used in existing Wikipedia articles as of 21 May 2007 and supplemented by the common names and taxonomy from the IUCN, Smithsonian Institution, or University of Michigan where no Wikipedia article was available.
The literature review by Miller (2006) found four additional cetaceans reported: orca or killer whale (Orcinus orca), spinner dolphin (Stenella longirostris), bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), and sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus). The pantropical spotted dolphin (Stenella attenuata) is found in the lists of both Miller and the IUCN.
A revision of the list of cetaceans reported in the ocean surrounding Tuvalu was carried out by Miller (2009), who listed a "minke-like" whale (Balaenoptera species) and a diminutive sperm whale (Kogia species).
In 2010 a research voyage was conducted within the exclusive economic zones (EEZs) of Kiribati and Tuvalu. The survey confirmed the presence of seven species of cetaceans: sperm whale, killer whale, Bryde's whale (Balaenoptera brydei), short-finned pilot whale (Globicephala macrorhynchus), false killer whale (Pseudorca crassidens), spinner dolphin, and striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba).
The Pacific Ocean surrounding Tuvalu is within the range of these cetaceans although sightings of some of these species may be infrequent.
The following tags are used to highlight each species' conservation status as assessed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature: DD Data deficient There is inadequate information to make an assessment of the risks to this species.
Order: Cetacea (whales)
The order Cetacea includes whales, dolphins and porpoises. They are the mammals most fully adapted to aquatic life with a spindle-shaped nearly hairless body, protected by a thick layer of blubber, and forelimbs and tail modified to provide propulsion underwater.
Parvorder Mysticeti: baleen whales Superfamily Balaenopteroidea Family Balaenopteridae: rorquals Subfamily Balaenopterinae Genus Balaenoptera: slender rorquals Bryde's whale, Balaenoptera brydei DD Parvorder Odontoceti: toothed whales Superfamily Delphinoidea: dolphins and relatives Family Delphinidae: oceanic dolphins Subfamily Delphininae Genus Stenella Pantropical spotted dolphin, Stenella attenuata LR/cd Spinner dolphin, Stenella longirostris LR/cd Striped dolphin, Stenella coeruleoalba LC Genus Tursiops Common bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops truncatus DD Subfamily Orcininae Genus Feresa Pygmy killer whale, Feresa attenuata DD Genus Globicephala Short-finned pilot whale, Globicephala macrorhyncus LR/cd Genus Orcinus Killer whale (orca), Orcinus orca DD Genus: Pseudorca False killer whale, Pseudorca crassidens DD Superfamily Physeteroidea, sperm whales Family Kogiidae Genus Kogia Dwarf sperm whale, Kogia sima LR/lc Family Physeteridae: sperm whale family Genus Physeter Sperm whale, Physeter macrocephalus VU Superfamily Ziphioidea, beaked whales Family Ziphidae, beaked whales Subfamily Hyperoodontinae Genus Mesoplodon, mesoplodont whales Ginkgo-toothed beaked whale, Mesoplodon ginkgodens DD
See also
List of chordate orders Lists of mammals by region List of prehistoric mammals Mammal classification List of mammals described in the 2000s
Notes Edgar Waite published an account of The Mammals, Reptiles, and Fishes of Funafuti (Australian Museum, Sydney, 1897).
References