Something must be happening in Terengganu as there have been several strange appearances of animals in the state, some of them being spotted in this region for the very first time. First, orca whales, second, tigers, now short finned pilot whales!
On 24th July, a group of short finned pilot whales, also known by their scientific name, globicephala macrorhynchus, were found in the waters of Besut, Terengganu near Perhentian Island about thirty kilometers from the beach.
For illustration purposes | Source: Pixels
According to Astro Awani, this was recorded as the first time this species of whale has gone through Terengganu waters
Marine Mammal Branch chief, Mohd Tamimi Ali Ahmad, of the Fisheries Research Institute (FRI) in Rantau Abang said that the mammals were using the South China Sea as a migration route, and were discovered by a group of fishermen last Wednesday (24th July).
A 40-second footage was captured of the creatures swimming in the sea in groups of about 10 to 50. The size of an adult short finned pilot whale is estimated to be about three to seven meters long with a weight of one to three tons, while a calf weighs about 60 to 500kg.
“The short finned pilot whale usually lives and hunts in a population group of about 10 to 50. There are also some populations that can reach up to 200,” Tamimi said, adding that this species of whale are predators in the food chain of the ocean’s ecosystem as they hunt sea creatures like fish, squid, turtles, and seabirds.
“Terengganu’s waters have many oysters which is probably why the South China Sea is part of their migration route.”
Source: Facebook
Tamimi then related that many short-finned pilot whales appeared in the waters off California, United States when there was a population of squids. However, when the squid population decreased, the whales migrated to a new place.
He then added that short-finned pilot whales are listed one of the endangered species in Malaysia. Previously, short-finned pilot whales were found stranded and dead in Sarawak, 2013 and in Labuan, 2015.
Watch the video here:
Okay, this is getting really strange. Do you think you know the reason why all these animals have been appearing in Terengganu so suddenly? Let us know in the comments below!
Also read: Two Orca Whales Were Spotted Swimming in Peninsular Malaysia Waters For The First Time Ever!
