wildlife incidents
What actions are being taken to investigate the causes behind the dolphin mass stranding in Tasmania?
The team on the ground is undertaking comprehensive investigations to determine the reasoning behind this rare mass stranding of false killer whales. Their approach includes conducting post-mortem examinations and collecting samples from the deceased animals to analyze potential causes. These scientific efforts are particularly important as this marks the first large stranding of this species in Tasmania in 50 years, with over 150 false killer whales beached and approximately 90 still alive when discovered. The investigations aim to provide insights into why these deep-water mammals, which resemble orcas, ended up stranded on this remote beach.
Watch clip answer (00:09m)
WION
01:45 - 01:55
What is known about dolphin strandings in Tasmania and Australia?
Currently, there is no clear intelligence on why the dolphins have been stranded in Tasmania for the first time in 50 years. This unusual event remains a mystery as experts continue to investigate the reasoning behind this mass stranding incident. Australia has experienced significant marine mammal strandings in the past, with the largest recorded incident occurring in 2020 when 470 long-finned pilot whales were found stranded at Macquarie Harbor. This historical context highlights that while the current dolphin stranding is rare for Tasmania, Australia has unfortunately witnessed several major marine mammal stranding events over the years.
Watch clip answer (00:16m)
WION
02:07 - 02:23
What happened to a large pod of dolphins in Tasmania?
A tragic mass stranding occurred on a remote Tasmanian beach involving more than 150 false killer dolphins, resulting in dozens of deaths. These marine mammals, named for their orca-like skull shape, were part of a rare stranding event in Australia's southern island. False killer whales are a large dolphin species that can grow up to 20 feet and weigh over a ton. This incident is particularly significant as it marks the first stranding of this species in Tasmania in approximately 50 years, prompting investigations by experts to determine the cause of this unusual and devastating event.
Watch clip answer (00:16m)WION
00:00 - 00:17
What is known about the false killer whale stranding in Tasmania?
A mass stranding of false killer whales occurred on an isolated beach in Tasmania's northwest coast, approximately 400 km from the state capital Hobart. This marks the first such incident involving this species in Tasmania in 50 years, with over 150 of these dolphins washing ashore. Marine experts note that these impressive marine mammals can grow up to 20 feet long and weigh as much as 1,361 kilograms. Scientists are currently examining the deceased animals to determine potential causes for this unusual stranding event.
Watch clip answer (00:14m)WION
01:16 - 01:30
What recent mass whale stranding events have occurred in Australia?
Australia has experienced several significant whale strandings in recent years. In 2022, about 230 pilot whales were found stranded at a harbor, with most of them dying in the incident. The following year in 2023, approximately 160 pilot whales were discovered stranded on a beach in Western Australia, with several deaths reported and many others requiring euthanasia due to their condition. These mass strandings represent a concerning pattern in Australian waters, with hundreds of whales affected across multiple incidents. The same harbor experienced repeated strandings, suggesting possible geographic or environmental factors contributing to these tragic events.
Watch clip answer (00:24m)WION
02:23 - 02:47
What makes the stranding of false killer whales in Tasmania significant?
The stranding of 157 false killer whales in Tasmania represents a rare occurrence, as it's the first time in 50 years these deep-sea mammals have beached in this particular region of Tasmania. While strandings of marine mammals on Australian beaches are reasonably common, they typically involve pilot whales rather than false killer whales. As of Wednesday morning, approximately 90 of the stranded dolphins were still alive, with assessment and response efforts ongoing. This event is particularly notable due to the limited understanding we have of this deep-sea species, making this incident valuable for scientific investigation despite its unfortunate nature.
Watch clip answer (00:28m)WION
00:17 - 00:46