A really big family - sperm whales; includes related article on tracking the whales

Ranger Rick, Jan, 1997 by Deborah Churchman

Hal Whitehead and his wife, Linda Weilgart, study the 200 sperm whale families living near the Galapagos Islands. (These islands are off the west coast of South America.) The scientists use two tricks to get to know these animals.

First, they put a microphone in the water and listen for whale sounds through headphones.Steady clicks mean that the whales are feeding. Clicks in a pattern mean they're getting together. And loud clangs mean that a male is approach- ing.

Next, someone photographs the markings on each whale's tail. That helps Hal and Linda figure out who's who in each pod. So far, they've identified 1500 whales.

Hal, Linda, and their three children sail with the whales every other year. "We're glad to be in touch with these close families," says Hal. "They give us such a sense of wonder!"