Pilot whales' highly social "follow-the-leader" nature could have contributed to a beach stranding in Tasmania in which 34 of the species died.
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The group, including small calves, was discovered earlier this week at Bryans Beach on the state's east coast not far from tourist hotspot Wineglass Bay.
Staff from Tasmania's department of natural resources and environment are sampling and measuring the carcasses.
Almost 400 pilot whales died in a mass stranding, one of the largest recorded globally, at Macquarie Heads on Tasmania's remote west coast in 2020.
In September last year, more than 200 pilot whales beached in the same area.
Marine scientist Vanessa Pirotta said the location of the recent stranding, a peninsula near an island, suggest navigational hazards may have been a factor.
"In this case something has happened, whether it be natural causes or anthropogenic impacts," Dr Pirotta said.
"Something could have spooked the animals, something could have been going on socially.
"With pilot whales being very social there might have been a follow-the-leader-type mentality."
Pilot whales, which are understood not to migrate like other species, may remain with their birth pod for life.
Dr Pirotta said it was unknown why whales strand but Tasmania's geographical location near Southern Ocean feeding grounds could be why so many have found trouble in recent years.
"(But) why were these animals going close to shore when they're largely regarded as an offshore species?," she said.
Dr Pirotta hoped scientific sampling could reveal more about the stranded group, including whether any members were sick prior.
"Looking at the diet as well, what their last meal was. That would be really interesting information and help build a bigger picture," she said.
"Every stranding is an opportunity to learn more. That is a positive out of a negative situation."
Tasmania's department of natural resources and environment said it is not often possible to determine why whales end up stranded.
Australian Associated Press
