Globicephala

Globicephala is a genus of social toothed whales in the dolphin family Delphinidae. It comprises two extant species: Globicephala melas, the long-finned pilot whale, and Globicephala macrorhynchus, the short-finned pilot whale. The name derives from Latin globus (globe) and cephala (head).

Globicephala species are found in temperate and tropical seas worldwide. Long-finned pilot whales occur mainly in the North Atlantic and parts of the Pacific, while short-finned pilots are more widespread in warmer waters of the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. They are highly pelagic but may frequent continental shelves and offshore islands.

They are among the most gregarious dolphins, forming stable social groups that may include dozens to hundreds of individuals. They use a broad vocal repertoire of whistles and clicks and are known for coordinated movements, long dives, and occasional mass strandings.

Their diet consists mainly of squid and fish. They are deep divers, capable of lasting dives of several hundred meters while foraging.

Calves are born after about a year of gestation and remain with mothers for several years; females reach reproductive maturity in their teens, and males later. The social structure often centers on matrilineal lineages.

In many regions, Globicephala is protected by law. Long-finned pilots are hunted in some locales, notably the drive hunts of the Faroe Islands. They are also affected by bycatch, pollution, and noise, which can disrupt foraging and communication. Populations are variably affected across regions.