Dear MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are pleased to share the first photo-identification catalogue of killer whales from the tropical Southwest Indian Ocean:
Terrapon, M., Jourdain, E., Hooker, S., Cerchio, S., Lorieux, D., Kalashnikova, E., Akkaya, A., Awbery, T., Bertrand, N., Coetzee, B., Conradie, J., Conte, R., Gaitán, H., Gullan, A., Hernandez, M.-J., Kiszka, J., Latsha, J., Lebrato, M., Lyne, P., … & Hammond, P. (2026). Killer whales (*Orcinus orca*) of the tropical Southwest Indian Ocean – a photo-identification catalogue (2011-2026) (Version 1.0) [Dataset]. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21552120 Abstract: This is the first regional photo-identification catalogue for killer whales (*Orcinus orca*) in the tropical Southwest Indian Ocean. Sightings were compiled from a range of data providers, including researchers, fishers, local organisations, whale-watching or diving companies and citizen scientists. Individual killer whales were identified based on a combination of features such as colouration, shape and markings on the left and right sides of their eye patch, saddle patch and dorsal fin. Matches across sightings were verified by two killer whale experts and categorised into match certainty categories based on photograph quality, number of matching features, and group association. Individuals with low photograph quality only are included at the end of this catalogue with a temporary identification number. This dataset is an open-access resource, but data and photographs should not be used without prior written permission. It is available open-access here: https://zenodo.org/records/21552120 Do not hesitate to reach out if you would like to know more or if you wish to collaborate! Many thanks, Maeva Terrapon, PhD Sea Mammal Research Unit University of St Andrews St Andrews, Fife, KY16 8LB [email protected]
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