Tourists aboard a boat north of Lefkada, heading toward Paxoi, witnessed a rare marine spectacle when five sperm whales surfaced nearby in the Ionian Sea, according to footage posted on social media Tuesday.
Observers also reported hearing the distinctive sounds produced by the whales, which experts say are likely linked to communication between the marine mammals.
Sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) are the largest toothed whales and are present year-round in Greek waters, particularly along the Hellenic Trench. They play an important role in the marine ecosystem as top predators, but face growing threats from ship traffic, collisions, pollution and declining food sources.
The Mediterranean sperm whale population is estimated at only 150 to 190 individuals, according to conservation groups, and the species is considered endangered.
@seminakaridi Βόρεια της Λευκάδας προς Παξούς *** (έγινε ένα λαθάκι) #φάλαινες #whales #Ιόνιο #Λευκάδα #Παξοί ♬ original sound – avatar <3
