Welcome to the WDCS Species Guide!

Here you will find information on the 85 currently recognised species of whales, dolphins and porpoises, collectively known as "cetaceans".

WDCS, The Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, is the only global non-profit organisation dedicated to the conservation and welfare of whales and dolphins. WDCS has funded fieldwork in over 40 countries, is a partner organisationto the UN Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), and campaigns on all issues relevant to ensuring a future for these magnificent creatures.

  
We are learning about these animals all the time and plan to keep updating the guide so check back regularly to get the latest information. If you have suggestions and/or comments or are interested in contributing material, photographs, acoustics or footage, please email us at species@wdcs.org.

WDCS hopes that this guide will also prove a useful tool for journalists looking for detailed information on particular species. If you are a journalist and have a specific media enquiry, or require further assistance regarding any aspect of the guide, please contact the WDCS press office here.


Enjoy the journey ..!

One-to-one with a Gray whale, by Lucy Molleson. © WDCS
© WDCS, the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, 2010. Registered UK Charity No. 1014705. All photographs presented by kind permission of the copyright holders.