Vulnerable· population trend unknown· assessed 2025

Sperm whale

Physeter macrocephalus

Sighting evidence at Soufriere Bay Dominica, Dominica

The sperm whale is the largest toothed predator on earth and dives to 2000 m or beyond to hunt giant squid in total darkness. The resident population around Dominica is one of the most studied in the world: a multi-decade research project has identified individual whales by their fluke patterns. Encounters occur at the surface between dives when the animals rest, socialize, and nurse calves. Dominica is the only country in the world where in-water encounters with sperm whales are legally permitted under a strict permit system.

Evidence at this site

17 records within 25 km

Confidence: medium

Last confirmed Apr 2026

Seasonality

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How is this calculated?

Sighting evidence is compiled from iNaturalist observation records within a set proximity radius, filtered for quality-grade observations. “Last confirmed” is the date of the most recent research-grade record. Record count covers a rolling 24-month window. Confidence reflects record count, recency, and consistency of seasonal signal.

Sperm whale

Evidence at this site

Seasonality

Also seen at other sites