Publications

Access peer-reviewed scientific publications, technical reports, and research outputs produced by the Cetacea Galápagos Program and collaborating scientists.

These publications contribute to our understanding of cetacean ecology, behavior, distribution, and conservation in the Galápagos and beyond.

A Global Image-Based Data Repository of Killer Whale Interactions with Elasmobranchs

Emma Luck, Isabella M. Reeves, Maeva Terrapon, Rebecca Wellard, Stephanie K. Venables, Alison V. Towner, Alison A. Kock, Charlotte Hussain, Molly Altschwager, Rosie Ballard, Evans Baudin, Nancy Black, Evan Brodsky, Jade Cantrall, Julio Cardoso, Matt I. D. Carter, Oliver Clarke, Santiago Díaz-Pazmiño, David Donnelly, Georgina Cabayol Ferraz, Arlaine Francisco, Laura González García, Mark Jackman, Aimee Jan, Eric Martin, Dane McDermott, James Moskito, Blair Ranford, Jesús Erick Higuera Rivas, Jasmin O'Brien, Anton Oleynik, Hernán Orellana-Vásquez, Daniela Alarcón Ruales, Gemma Sharp, Jade Sharp, Alisa Schulman-Janiger, Colleen M. Talty, Paul Tixier, John A. Totterdell, Steve Truluck, Jennah Tucker, Tara Weberg, M. Fernanda Urrutia-Osorio, Machi Yoshida, Jochen R. Zaeschmar, and Lauren Meyer.

Scientific Data (Nature Portfolio). Article in Press (2026) DOI: 10.1038/s41597-026-06740-3

About this publication

This publication introduces the first global image-based repository documenting interactions between killer whales and sharks and rays (elasmobranchs). The open-access dataset compiles 320 photographs and videos from 82 documented interactions across 12 countries, identifying at least 18 elasmobranch species and 10 different interaction types, including both predatory and non-predatory behaviors. By combining contributions from researchers, whale-watching operators, and citizen scientists, the repository provides a valuable resource for studying killer whale ecology, prey specialization, behavior, species interactions, and photo-identification while supporting future collaborative research worldwide.

2026

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Killer whale (Orcinus orca) opportunistic predation events on whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) in the Eastern Tropical Pacific

Hernán Orellana-Vásquez, Galo Echeverría, Jacob Moscoso, Santiago Díaz-Pazmino, Daniela Alarcón-Ruales.

Marine Mammal Science. DOI: 10.1111/mms.70007

About this publication

This study documents the first published records of killer whales preying on whale sharks in the coastal waters of Ecuador and Panama. Through opportunistic observations during tourism activities, the authors describe hunting behavior, feeding strategies, and evidence of connectivity between mainland Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands through photo-identification. The findings improve our understanding of killer whale feeding ecology, movement patterns, and the ecological importance of the Eastern Tropical Pacific for this apex predator.

2025

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Cetaceans of the Galapagos Archipelago: Species in Constant Change and the Importance of a Standardized and Long-Term Citizen Science Program

Daniela Alarcón-Ruales, Judith Denkinger, Leo Zurita-Arthos, Salome Herrera, Santiago Díaz-Pazmiño, Eduardo Espinoza, Juan Pablo Muñoz Pérez, Bonnie J. Holmes & Kathy A. Townsend.

Island Ecosystems: Challenges to Sustainability Social and Ecological Interactions in the Galapagos Islands. S pringer Nature. (Chapter 22)

About this publication

This chapter provides an updated assessment of whale and dolphin diversity in the Galápagos Marine Reserve using twelve years of standardized observations collected between 2010 and 2022. By combining citizen science contributions, research cruises, naturalist guide reports, fishers, local communities, and verified social media records, the study evaluates species diversity, seasonal occurrence, distribution patterns, and the growing role of public participation in marine mammal research. The results demonstrate that long-term citizen science can generate robust scientific information while supporting conservation, management, and future monitoring of cetaceans throughout the Galápagos Archipelago.

2023

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https://www.researchgate.net/publication/369964635_Year-round_presence_of_northern_and_southern_hemisphere_Blue_Whales_Balaenoptera_musculus_at_the_Galapagos_Archipelago

Judith Denkinger, Annie B. Douglas, Douglas Biggs, Richard Sears, Martin Narváez & Daniela Alarcón.

Journal of Cetacean Research and Management. Volume 24. P ages 63–76

Published by the International Whaling Commission (IWC)

About this publication

This study investigates the year-round presence of blue whales in the Galápagos Archipelago using 17 years of opportunistic sighting records collected between 2001 and 2018. By combining long-term observations with photo-identification, the authors examine seasonal occurrence, group composition, and movement patterns of blue whales across the Eastern Tropical Pacific. The study documents the first photo-identified individual recorded in both the Galápagos and the Costa Rica Dome, providing evidence that Northern and Southern Hemisphere blue whale populations may overlap in the region. These findings improve our understanding of blue whale migration, connectivity, and the importance of the Galápagos Marine Reserve as a key habitat for this endangered species.

2023

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Social structure of killer whales (Orcinus orca) in a variable low-latitude environment, the Galápagos Archipelago

Judith Denkinger, Daniela Alarcon, Bitinia Espinosa, Lynn Fowler, Cindy Manning, Javier Oña, Daniel M. Palacios.

Marine Mammal Science. DOI: 10.1111/mms.12672

About this publication

This study provides the first comprehensive assessment of the social structure of killer whales in the Galápagos Archipelago. Using 221 sightings and photo-identification records collected between 1991 and 2017, the researchers identified 64 individual killer whales, including 18 local residents. Social network analyses revealed a flexible fission–fusion society composed of three social units and one loose association, with long-term relationships lasting several years. The study establishes an important baseline for understanding residency, social organization, and population connectivity of killer whales in the Galápagos and highlights the value of long-term photo-identification and citizen science observations for monitoring this apex predator.

2020

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From Whaling to Whale Watching: Cetacean Presence and Species Diversity in the Galapagos Marine Reserve

Judith Denkinger , Javier Oña , Daniela Alarcón , Godfrey Merlen,

Sandy Salazar, and Daniel M. Palacios

Science and Conservation in the Galápagos Islands: Frameworks & Perspectives (Chapter 13) (pp.217-243)

About this publication

This chapter presents one of the most comprehensive summaries of whale and dolphin diversity in the Galápagos Marine Reserve. Using 18 years of sighting records collected by trained naturalist guides and dedicated research cruises, the authors describe the distribution, seasonality, and occurrence of cetacean species, providing an important baseline for long-term monitoring and conservation

2013

Science Explained

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