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Genetics links whale to two different ocean basins
August 18, 2005Humpback likely born along Madagascar traveled to central Africa, says WCS researchers
For the first time ever, a genetic study has followed a single humpback whale from one ocean basin to another, adding to traditional notions of the migratory patterns of these majestic marine mammals in the process, according to researchers from the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH), and New York University. In the most recent Royal Society's Biology Letters, a male humpback whale that was first sighted in Madagascar's Antongil Bay in 2000 was found in 2002 swimming off the coast of Loango National Park in Gabon-on the other side of the African continent.
The study examined DNA samples extracted from skin biopsies collected from whales in the wintering grounds of both the Indian and South Atlantic Oceans for evidence of inter-oceanic exchange of individuals. Using a method of genetic capture-recapture of genotypes constructed of microsatellite markers, the researchers identified an individual whale sampled in Gabonese waters in 2002 that had been first seen (and sampled) with its mother in Madagascar waters in 2000. Pomilla and her colleague, Dr. Howard Rosenbaum of WCS and AMNH, suspect that the whale could have been a three- to four-year old juvenile at the time of the second encounter with researchers.
The only other documentation of individual humpback whales moving from one ocean basin to another dates back to when the species still was hunted commercially. Two whales that were marked off western Australia (in the Indian Ocean basin) were later killed off the coast of eastern Australian, in the Pacific Ocean.
The identification of individual whales moving between ocean basins will help inform a number of conservation activities relating to humpback whales, including how these populations are defined, studied and managed. Humpback whales were hunted commercially until the International Whaling Commission protected the species globally in 1966.
"These findings will help us improve our understanding of how populations of whales are connected, both genetically and even culturally, in the form of the haunting songs that this species is well-known for," added Rosenbaum. "In particular, inter-oceanic migration data will help us to better evaluate the current international management procedures for humpback whales."
Wildlife Conservation Society
Humpback Whales Current Events and Humpback Whales News RSSWhale-sized genetic study largest ever for southern hemisphere humpbacks
After 15 years of research in the waters of the South Atlantic and Indian Oceans, scientists from the Wildlife Conservation Society, the American Museum of Natural History, and an international coalition of organizations have unveiled the largest genetic study of humpback whale populations ever conducted in the Southern Hemisphere.
New findings show increased ocean acidification in Alaska waters
The same things that make Alaska's marine waters among the most productive in the world may also make them the most vulnerable to ocean acidification.
New study finds most North Pacific humpback whale populations rebounding
The number of humpback whales in the North Pacific Ocean has increased since international and federal protections were enacted in the 1960s and 70s, according to a new study funded primarily by NOAA and conducted by more than 400 whale researchers throughout the Pacific region.
Researchers to Develop Ocean Sanctuary "Noise Budget" to Identify Sources and Evaluate Potential Impact on Marine Mammals and Fish
Like sentinels at their posts, an array of buoys equipped with underwater microphones and other sensors will be on duty in the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary off the coast of Massachusetts for the next 30 months, recording sounds from whales, fish, ships and other sources around the clock.
Warbling Whales Speak a Language All Their Own
The songs of the humpback whale are among the most complex in the animal kingdom. Researchers have now mathematically confirmed that whales have their own syntax that uses sound units to build phrases that can be combined to form songs that last for hours.
Monitoring Baleen Whales with Autonomous Underwater Vehicles
Like robots of the deep, autonomous underwater vehicles, or AUVs, are growing in number and use in the oceans to perform scientific missions ranging from monitoring climate change to mapping the deep sea floor and surveying ancient shipwrecks.
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Northern Humpback Whale Animals Art Poster Print by Brandon Cole, 28x22 by Art.com Art.com is the world's largest retailer of art prints, posters, photographs, and framed artwork. With our huge selection of over 400,000 prints, you'll easily find the perfect piece for your home, office, or classroom. Our art is printed on quality paper. When you order framed artwork, the piece is built by our team of in-house professionals. Visit our Amazon store today at www.amazon.com/artdotcom to find Special Offers and search for products based on 'Artist Name' and 'Subject Categories' such as Movie, Music, Vintage, TV, Children, Travel, Kitchen, Museum Art, Animals, Floral, Motivational, and Sports. Art.com is dedicated to providing you with high quality products and service by offering you 100% satisfaction guaranteed. We ship internationally to over 80 countries. Decorate your... |
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Humpback Whale by Schleich North America GENERAL FEATURES: The Humpback Whale figure from Schleich is meticulously hand painted and is beautifully designed in true to life modeling. This figure is measures approximately 13 by 2 inches. This product comes with the Schleich tag bearing the Red S, a symbol of highest quality. Suggested for ages three and up. Schleich Product #16083 |
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Country Artist Figure Humpback Whale, SET/2 by IWDSC Country Artist Figure "Humpback Whale", SET/2 - - It was a life-long love of nature and a definite flair for expermenting that led to the creation of Country Artist . In 1978, at it's begining, Country Artist was a typical cottage industry with materials for those first products literally mixed on the kitchen table in a small cottage in Tanworth-In-Arden England. Today Country Artist are still designed in England, and with shipments to seventeen countries around the globe these beautiful works of art are now enjoyed the world over. Stone resin construction. Make sure you see the entire animal line we carry, measuring between 2 1/2" and 3" tall for a fraction of the price you will find elsewhere.SPECIAL NOTE:The humpback whale is one of the world's most endangered species of whales.... |
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